ARTHUR KOPIT

KOPIT--Arthur. A world-renowned playwright, Arthur spent the past 20 years helping other playwrights find their voices. He was the guiding force behind the Playwrights' Workshop at The Lark, which has launched the careers of many prominent writers in theater and media. Participants range from early-career writers to those who have become well known but want to dig deep again into their own creativity. He gathered writers with different points of view to dispel simplistic ideas of right and wrong and challenge them to be true to their hearts. Arthur traveled frequently on behalf of The Lark. Once, at a lecture in Bucharest, a journalist suggested writers should "write what they know," but Arthur disagreed, insisting that writing comes alive when writers tackle subjects about which they know little, particularly the darker corners of their own experience, especially if they want to learn and grow. Countless playwrights describe Arthur's encouragement. He saw the worth in people and was enthusiastic about what he saw, which changed people's lives and established his legacy as a mentor. The Lark community misses him and extends sympathy to his wife Leslie Garis, children Alex, Ben and Kat; three grandchildren; sister Susan Mann; and many friends.