Charles Arthur; Director of Theatre 40

Charles Arthur, who was artistic director of Theatre 40 in Beverly Hills for the last five years, has died. He was 57.

Arthur, who died Sept. 4, had been in ill health since suffering a massive stroke in February, 1993, the theater noted in announcing his death.

He began his career as an actor, appearing at Theatre 40, the Old Globe Theater in San Diego and the Oregon National Shakespeare Festival.

But in the last several years he had concentrated on directing. His critically acclaimed productions included “The Homecoming,” “Measure for Measure,” “Children,” “Ghosts” and “Pack of Lies.”

Arthur is survived by his parents, Warren and Margret Cook, and a brother, Lowell Cook.