John Alden

Who was John Alden?

John Alden, born Gordon Henry Buchanan was an Australian theatrical actor and director noted for his interpretation of Shakespeare.

He was born and grew up in Taree, New South Wales and studied to be a teacher in Sydney. In 1934 he joined Doris Fitton's Independent Theatre, and in 1937 retired from teaching to concentrate on acting. He played with Independent in most of their productions at the Savoy Theatre or their own hall at 360 Miller Street, Sydney then as producer or assistant to Doris Fitton.

He spent three years working in England, including some performances at the Old Vic. From 1943 he directed Shakespeare productions at the Theatre Royal for J. C. Williamson's Austral-American Productions. He then took a group to Japan to entertain the Occupation Forces. On his return, he acted in or produced several plays at the Independent Theatre, including a 1959 production of "A Midsummer Night's Dream" .

He was a foundation member of the "Radio Players" whose first production The Vinegar Tree opened at Bryant's Playhouse in 1946 to lukewarm reviews, but had a long season, and the second production, Max Catto's They Walk Alone with Lyndall Barbour and Therese Desmond was a triumph.