Trevor Griffiths was born in Manchester in 1935, of Irish and Welsh descent. He worked as a teacher, a liberal studies lecturer and a further education officer for the BBC before becoming a full time writer in 1970. He has been writing for the theatre, television and cinema since the late 60s. His work has been seen throughout the world and he has won numerous awards. His best-known stage play, Comedians, has been in constant production around the world since its premiere in 1975. For his film Reds, written with Warren Beatty, he received the WGA Best Screenplay Award and an Oscar nomination. Other films have included Country directed by Richard Eyre and Fatherland directed by Ken Loach. From the 80s onwards he has also directed his own work both in theatre and on film. His most recent production is the television film Food for Ravens which he both wrote and directed. He is known both for his original works – contemporary and historical – and for his adaptations of works by writers such as Lawrence and Chekhov.