Michael Cook
Michael Cook is a British-born playwright, journalist, and media personality who became a prominent figure in Newfoundland's arts scene. Born in London in 1933, Cook faced early challenges, being expelled from school at fifteen and serving in the British Army during the Korean War for twelve years. After his military service, he pursued a degree in drama at Nottingham University. In the mid-1960s, he relocated to Canada, initially aiming for Toronto but settling in St. John's, Newfoundland, where he quickly established himself in the local arts community.
Cook was instrumental in founding the St. John's Summer Festival and served as the first artistic director of the St. John's Arts and Culture Centre. His career flourished as he wrote radio plays for the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation and produced successful stage plays, with his notable work, "Colour the Flesh the Colour of Dust," being performed in 1972. Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, Cook's contributions to Canadian theater were recognized with several accolades, including multiple Labatt's Awards for best Canadian play and the Queen's Jubilee Medal. Despite personal challenges, including multiple marriages, Cook's legacy in the Canadian arts continues to resonate through his impactful works.
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Subject Terms
Michael Cook
Playwright
- Born: February 14, 1933
- Birthplace: London, England
- Died: July 1, 1994
- Place of death: Random Island, Nova Scotia, Canada
Biography
Michael Cook was born in London, England, in 1933. He was expelled from school when he was fifteen years old. A year after his expulsion, he enlisted in the British army and served in the Korean War. He remained in the army for twelve years and was stationed in Singapore, Germany, Malaysia, and Japan. While in the military, he began to involve himself in writing, acting, and directing various army productions. At the completion of his military service in 1961, he enrolled in courses at Nottingham University, pursuing a degree in drama.
In the winter of 1965, Cook abruptly abandoned his life in England, divorced his wife, and left for Canada. Originally intending to settle in Toronto, Cook instead found himself enamored of Newfoundland. He quickly made a name for himself as a journalist and media personality in the city of St. John’s. In 1967, he married his second wife, Janis Jones.
Cook continued to pursue his interests in writing, acting, and directing. He founded the St. John’s Summer Festival and was involved in the subsequent formation of the St. John’s Arts and Culture Centre, serving for two years as the organization’s first artistic director. In the late 1960’s, Cook began writing radio plays that were performed by the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation. In 1972, Cook’s first significant stage play, Colour the Flesh the Colour of Dust, was performed in St. John’s by the Open Group. During this period, Cook was also teaching at Memorial University in St. John’s.
In 1973, Cook divorced his second wife; later that year, he wed Madonna Decker. Two years later, Cook left Memorial University on sabbatical and moved to Random Island to focus on his writing. Throughout the 1970’s and 1980’s, Cooks plays appeared on Canadian stages and earned critical praise. Cook received numerous honors, including Canadian Council senior arts grants, five Labatt’s Awards for best Canadian play, the Queen’s Jubilee Medal, an award from the Government of Newfoundland, and the Labrador Achievement Award.