Dotson Rader (born July 25, 1942, in Evanston, Illinois) is an American author and playwright who has published four novels and three works of non-fiction as well as the stage play ''God Looked Away'' about

Tennessee Williams Thomas Lanier Williams III (March 26, 1911 – February 25, 1983), known by his pen name Tennessee Williams, was an American playwright and screenwriter. Along with contemporaries Eugene O'Neill and Arthur Miller, he is considered among the thre ...

Biography

Initially a student at Columbia University with a side gig as a

male hustler Male prostitution is the act or practice of men providing sexual services in return for payment. It is a form of sex work. Although clients can be of any gender, the vast majority are older males looking to fulfill their sexual needs. Male pro ...

, Rader made his way into the elite echelons of the New York City literary scene. During the 1970s, he became the live-in love of the actress

Ruth Ford Ruth Ford (July 7, 1911 – August 12, 2009) was an American actress and model. Her brother was the Bohemianism, bohemian surrealist Charles Henri Ford. Their parents owned or managed hotels in the American South, and the family regularly move ...

. He is the author of several books, including ''I Ain't Marchin Anymore'', about the on-campus protests and upheaval during the 1960s, the title inspired by the earlier song by

Phil Ochs Philip David Ochs (; December 19, 1940 – April 9, 1976) was an American songwriter and protest singer (or, as he preferred, a topical singer). Ochs was known for his sharp wit, sardonic humor, political activism, often alliterative lyrics, and ...

of the same name, and ''Cry of the Heart'', about his long friendship with the famed American playwright

, which began in the 1950s. For many years Rader has penned features and conducted interviews for ''Parade'' magazine. Rader's first play, ''God Looked Away'', about Tennessee Williams, had a six-week trial run at the Pasadena Playhouse in Pasadena, California, in 2018 with

Al Pacino Alfredo James Pacino (; ; born April 25, 1940) is an American actor. Considered one of the most influential actors of the 20th century, he has received numerous accolades: including an Academy Award, two Tony Awards, and two Primetime Emmy ...

in the titular role and Judith Light and

Garrett Clayton Gary Michael "Garrett" Clayton is an American actor and singer. He is known for portraying Tanner in the 2013 Disney Channel movie '' Teen Beach Movie'' and its 2015 sequel '' Teen Beach 2'', and other film, television, and stage roles. Life ...

in other featured turns.

References

External links

Finding aid to Dotson Rader papers at Columbia University. Rare Book & Manuscript Library.Finding aid to John C. Weiser papers at Columbia University. Rare Book & Manuscript Library.
{{DEFAULTSORT:Rader, Dotson 1942 births American dramatists and playwrights People from Illinois Living people