Although Oscar Ryan has been known for over fifty years as a theater critic, it is as playwright and social activist that he has earned a unique place in Canadian cultural history. His importance extends beyond his writing to include his role as cofounder of the Canadian workers theater movement during the late 1920s and 1930s. This movement was responsible for creating and promoting an indigenous working-class theater of protest. In addition, he has been a biographer, novelist, reporter, poet, editor, activist, and organizer.

Ryan was born 27 June 1904 on St. Urbain Street in Montreal (opposite the Hotel Dieu Hospital). His parents were of Jewish descent and had immigrated to Canada. His mother, Sarah Rein, was born in Russia and came to Canada as a child with her parents. She had only an elementary education but spoke and read English fluently. Adolph Weinstein, his father, was Rumanian and immigrated...