Directing Shakespeare in America: Historical Perspectives

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This unique and comprehensive study reviews the practice of leading American directors of Shakespeare from the late nineteenth to the end of the twentieth century. Charles Ney examines rehearsal and production records, as well as evidence from diaries, letters, autobiographies, reviews and photographs to consider each directors point of view when approaching Shakespeare and the differing directorial tools and techniques employed in significant productions in their careers. Directors covered include Augustin Daly, David Belasco, Arthur Hopkins, Orson Welles, Margaret Webster, B. Iden Payne, Angus Bowmer, Craig Noel, Jack OBrien, Tyronne Guthrie, John Houseman, Allen Fletcher, Michael Kahn, Gerald Freedman, Joseph Papp, Stuart Vaughan, A. J. Antoon, JoAnne Akalaitis, Paul Barry, Tina Packer, Barbara Gaines, William Ball, Liviu Ciulei, Garland Wright, Mark Lamos, Ellis Rabb and Julie Taymor. Directing Shakespeare in America: Historical Perspectives offers readers an understanding of the context from which contemporary practitioners operate, the aesthetic philosophies to which they subscribe and a description of their rehearsal methods.

Reviews

Charles Neys book is a revelationthe research is impeccable and the anecdotes, directing lessons, visions, egos, mistakes and inspiration are brilliant as tools for seasoned or aspiring Shakespeareans. * Dr. Jim Volz, Editor, Shakespeare Theatre Associations Quarto, USA *
For any and all lovers of Shakespeare this book is a fascinating resource. It has absolutely changed my perception of the ground we stand on as Shakespeare producers in the 21st century. * Bill Rauch, Artistic Director, Oregon Shakespeare Festival, USA *
Charles Ney provides an invaluable service distilling more than a century of stage practice into a compelling narrative that reminds us from whence we come a must-read for any practitioner of Shakespeare the world over. * Ethan McSweeny, Artistic Director, American Shakespeare Center *

Author Bio

Charles Ney is a professor in the Department of Theatre and Dance at Texas State University, USA. His Directing Shakespeare in America: Current Practices was published by the Arden Shakespeare in 2016. He has directed for Working Mans Clothes Theatre, Illinois Shakespeare Festival, Texas Shakespeare Festival, Idaho Repertory Theatre, and Manhattan Clearing House. His production of Top Girls performed at the Kennedy Center.His Richard III received seven nominations from the Austin Circle of Critics and his A Midsummer Nights Dream was named one of the ten best Austin productions of 2014 by the Austin Chronicle.