Playwright, actor and director. Lonne Elder, best known for his play "Ceremonies in dark old men" (published every other year from 1969 to 1996; Vernon Rice/Drama Desk Award; Outer Critics Circle Award; nominated for Pulitzer Prize, 1965) and "Sounder" (nominated for Academy Award, 1972), was born in Americus, GA, in 1939. In 1949 he entered New Jersey State Teachers College (now Trenton State Teachers College), but left before the end of his first year. He moved to New York at 19 and continued his education, becoming active in movements for black equality. In 1952 he started to write short stories and poetry and became associated with the Harlem Writers Guild.
From 1952 to 1956, Lonne Elder studied acting with Alice Childress, who was a member of the Harlem Writers Guild. In 1959 he made his Broadway debut at the Ethel Barrymore Theatre in New York City as Bobo in Lorraine Hansberry's "A raisin in the sun," and he appeared in the national tour from 1960 to 1961. In 1965 he became a member of the Negro Ensemble Company at the St. Marks Playhouse. From 1967 to 1969 he served as coordinator of the Playwright-Directors Unit at the Negro Ensemble Company. In 1970 he moved to the West Coast to pursue a film writing career. Lonne Elder died in 1996.
Elder, Lonne. Charades on East Fourth Street.
Elder, Lonne. Little summer sport.
Elder, Lonne. Splendid mummer.
Elder, Lonne. Ceremonies in dark old men.
Negro Ensemble Company.