Alex Buzo

Alexander John Buzo (23 July 194416 August 2006) was an Australian playwright and author who wrote 88 works. is a Korean studies scholar and former Australian diplomat.

The first school Buzo attended was the Middle Harbour Primary School.

Career Playwriting career Buzo started acting with the inner Sydney New Theatre company after being inspired by director Aarne Neeme and the National Institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA).

In 1966 Buzo wrote The Revolt. and two others in 1972, Macquarie, exploring issues of Australian identity and the past and Tom. At age 28, Buzo became a resident playwright with the Melbourne Theatre Company. Buzo was at the height of his career as his plays were often sold out performances and well received by attending audiences. Buzo's plays have also been performed in south East Asia and the UK. Both Hill and Buzo reconciled in 1990. Books he wrote on the Australian language and life that achieved popularity were Tautology and Meet the New Class both in 1981, Glancing Blows in 1987, The Young Persons Guide to the Theatre in 1988, Kiwese in 1994 and A Dictionary of the Almost Obvious in 1998.

In his writing career he wrote for the children's animation show, Arthur and the Square Knights of the Round Table.

In 2001, he gave the 3rd annual Tom Brock Lecture.

Death Buzo died in Sydney on 16 August 2006 after several years battling cancer. Like Pinter, Buzo's works were marked by surrealism, use of triviality, colloquial expressions and language. He supported the North Sydney Bears (later known as the Northern Eagles) and participated in the failed campaign to stop its demotion from the National Rugby League.

Legacy The Alex Buzo Company In 2007, Buzo's eldest daughter Emma formed The Alex Buzo Company. Its aim is to produce, promote and perpetuate the work of Alex Buzo both in Australia and internationally. The company is supported by the Buzo family and manages his estate. It is dedicated to fostering the same level of excellence Buzo achieved in his career in contemporary Australian literature through innovative programs of theatre, education and training.

In honour of Buzo's life work, the Alex Buzo Shortlist Prize was created (2006) for Australian writers.

Awards 1972 Gold Medal from the Australian Literature Society for his history play Macquarie

Animated film screenplays Out of the eight Dickens adaptations by Burbank Animation Studios, four were adapted by Buzo: A Christmas Carol (1982) Great Expectations (1983) David Copperfield (1983) The Old Curiosity Shop (1984)