born May 15, 1926, London, Eng.
British playwright.
He first won notice for his comedy Five Finger Exercise (1958) and his epic tragedy The Royal Hunt of the Sun (1964). His Equus (1973, Tony Award; film, 1977) was a hit in London and New York City. He was also acclaimed for Amadeus (1979), which treated Antonio Salieri 's one-sided rivalry with Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart ; Shaffer adapted the play for film (1984, Academy Award). His later plays include Lettice and Lovage (1988).