Gotthold Ephraim Lessing (1729–1781) was a German writer, philosopher, dramatist, publicist and art critic, and an outstanding representative of the Enlightenment era. His plays and theoretical writings substantially influenced the development of German literature. He is widely considered by theatre historians to be the first dramaturg in his role at Abel Seyler's Hamburg National Theatre. Edward Kemp is a UK-based writer, theatre director, translator and dramaturg. He has been Director of the Royal Academy of Drama Art (RADA) since 2008.