Story perspectives

Director Richard Eyre Reflects on Life, Loss, and Legacy

2/28/2026

Summary

Story summary

Richard Eyre, a prominent British director and actor known for work at the National Theatre, is directing Strindberg’s Dance of Death at the Orange Tree Theatre in Richmond.
He reflects on his life and expresses fears of failure and disappointment in social justice progress.
He shares that his wife, Sue Birtwistle, battles Alzheimer's, a struggle that brings him despair.
Eyre emphasizes endurance and questions the meaning of remembrance after death.

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Story summary

Richard Eyre, a prominent British director and actor known for work at the National Theatre, is directing Strindberg’s Dance of Death at the Orange Tree Theatre in Richmond.
He reflects on his life and expresses fears of failure and disappointment in social justice progress.
He shares that his wife, Sue Birtwistle, battles Alzheimer's, a struggle that brings him despair.
Eyre emphasizes endurance and questions the meaning of remembrance after death.