Photo Flash: Remembering Playwright Peter Shaffer

As BroadwayWorld reported yesterday, British playwright and screenwriter Peter Shaffer, best known for such works as AMADEUS and EQUUS, has passed away at the age of 90. The news was shared by his U.K. agent Rupert Lord who reported that the writer passed away this morning in Ireland following a short illness.

Shaffer penned more than 18 plays, including "Black Comedy," "Lettice and Lovage," "The Royal Hunt of the Sun" and "Five Finger Exercise." Many of his works were later adapted for TV and film, including his first play, "The Salt Land," written in 1951 and produced for television in 1955.

One of his most successful plays, EQUUS, was first produced by London's National Theatre. It later transferred to Broadway, where it ran for over 1,200 performances, and received the Tony Award for Best Play. Sidney Lumet directed the 1977 big screen adaptation starring Richard Burton. The screenplay earned Shaffer an Academy Award nomination. In 2007, the play was revived in the West End starring Daniel Radcliffe in his first major theatrical role. The production went on to Broadway the following year.

AMADEUS first opened at the National Theatre in 1979, and premiered on Broadway in 1980, where it ran for over 1,000 performances and won the Tony Award. The production returned to London's West End the following year. The 1984 film version earned Shaffer one of its eight Academy Awards. "Amadeus" is set to be revived at the National Theatre this fall.

Shaffer was awarded a British national honor, Commander of the British Empire, in 1987, and he was knighted in 2001.

Photo Credit: Walter McBride

AMADEUS

EQUUS

EQUUS

Peter Shaffer attending the EQUUS Opening Night Performance After Party at Pier 60 at the Chelsea Piers in New York City. September 25, 2008

Peter Shaffer attending the EQUUS Opening Night Performance After Party at Pier 60 at the Chelsea Piers in New York City. September 25, 2008

Peter Shaffer attending the EQUUS Opening Night Performance After Party at Pier 60 at the Chelsea Piers in New York City. September 25, 2008

Peter Shaffer attending the Broadway Opening Night Performance of "THE MIRACLE WORKER" at Circle in the Square Theatre in New York City. March 3, 2010

Peter Shaffer attending the Broadway Opening Night Performance of "THE MIRACLE WORKER" at Circle in the Square Theatre in New York City. March 3, 2010

Peter Shaffer ( PLAYWRIGHT) arriving for the Opening Night Performance of EQUUS at the Broadhurst Theatre in New York City.September 25, 2008

Peter Shaffer ( PLAYWRIGHT) & Thea Sharrock (DIRECTOR)

Daniel Radcliffe & Peter Shaffer ( PLAYWRIGHT ) attending the EQUUS Opening Night Performance After Party at Pier 60 at the Chelsea Piers in New York City. September 25, 2008

Daniel Radcliffe & Peter Shaffer ( PLAYWRIGHT ) attending the EQUUS Opening Night Performance After Party at Pier 60 at the Chelsea Piers in New York City. September 25, 2008

Daniel Radcliffe with Peter Shaffer (Playwright) is honored with the beloved Sardi's caricature and joins the Stars Wall Of Fame, Sardi's Restaurant in New York City. January 29, 2009

Daniel Radcliffe with Peter Shaffer (Playwright) is honored with the beloved Sardi's caricature and joins the Stars Wall Of Fame, Sardi's Restaurant in New York City. January 29, 2009

Daniel Radcliffe with Peter Shaffer (Playwright) is honored with the beloved Sardi's caricature and joins the Stars Wall Of Fame, Sardi's Restaurant in New York City. January 29, 2009

Daniel Radcliffe with Peter Shaffer (Playwright) is honored with the beloved Sardi's caricature and joins the Stars Wall Of Fame, Sardi's Restaurant in New York City. January 29, 2009

Daniel Radcliffe with Peter Shaffer (Playwright) is honored with the beloved Sardi's caricature and joins the Stars Wall Of Fame, Sardi's Restaurant in New York City. January 29, 2009

Peter Shaffer attending the EQUUS Opening Night Performance After Party at Pier 60 at the Chelsea Piers in New York City.September 25, 2008

Peter Shaffer attending the EQUUS Opening Night Performance After Party at Pier 60 at the Chelsea Piers in New York City.September 25, 2008