The History of Production of the Works of Harold Pinter
Ralph Koltai (1924 - 2018)
Mr Ralph Koltai (Male)
Nationality: German
Born: 31 July 1924
Died: 15 December 2018
Set designer. Described as 'the most influential stage designer in British theatre in the second half of the last century' (Michael Quinn, The Stage, 2018), Koltai was born in Berlin and arrived in Britain in 1939. After serving in the Royal Army Service Corps and British Intelligence during World War Two, he studied art and design at the Central School of Art and Design, London. Koltai worked with the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) between 1962-1966 and 1976-1988 as well as with a variety of other national and international companies. He was head of design at Central School from 1965 to 1972 and is best known for his modern, sculptural forms. In 1975 he co-founded the Society of British Theatre Designers with John Bury. Over the course of his career has has designed over 250 stage productions across dance, opera, theatre and musicals. He was made a CBE in 1983.
Training and Education
Art school
Central School of Art and Design (Training & Education | Est. 1896)
Other Names
No other Name have been added to this person record yet.
Productions
The Birthday Party (Aldwych) (1964)
Creative | Set Designer
Notes:
Linked People
No Linked People have been added to this person record yet.
Linked Awards
The Laurence Olivier Award
1983
Won: Best Set Design
The Laurence Olivier Award
1978
Won: Best Set Design
CBE
1983
Resources
No resources have been added to this person record yet.
Sources
Simon Trowbridge's The Company
Simon Trowbridge, The Company: a Biographical Dictionary of the Royal Shakespeare Company, 3rd ed. (Oxford: Editions Albert Creed, 2013)
Biography
This source provides a comprehensive index and brief biographies for key actors, directors, designers and writers who have worked regularly with the Royal Shakespeare Company. Koltai's entry can be found on p. 272. An entry for Harold Pinter can be found on pp. 375-377.
Ralph Koltai: Designer for the Stage
Ralph Koltai: Designer for the Stage, ed. by Sylvia Backemeyer (London: Nick Hern Books, 2003)
Academic book
A visual collection of Koltai's most significant works including modules, design sketches and production photos. Includes an Introduction by Trevor Nunn.
Ralph Koltai Official Website
URL
Professional website for Ralph Koltai that provides biographical, bibliographic, images of past work and a detailed chronology of Koltai's life and works [accessed 16 February 2018].
The Stage
URL
Obituary by Michael Quinn for The Stage, 17/12/18 [date accessed 31January 2019].