Directing Shakespeare in America: Historical Perspectives [Hardcover]

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 director's 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 O'Brien, 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 Perspectivesoffers 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.

Charles Neyis a professor in the Department of Theatre and Dance at Texas State University, USA. HisDirecting Shakespeare in America: Current Practiceswas published by the Arden Shakespeare in 2016. He has directed for Working Man's Clothes Theatre, Illinois Shakespeare Festival, Texas Shakespeare Festival, Idaho Repertory Theatre, and Manhattan Clearing House. His production ofTop Girlsperformed at the Kennedy Center.HisRichard IIIreceived seven nominations from the Austin Circle of Critics and hisA Midsummer Night's Dreamwas named one of the ten best Austin productions of 2014 by theAustin Chronicle.

Charles Ney's book is a revelation-the research is impeccable and the anecdotes, directing lessons, visions, egos, mistakes and inspiration are brilliant as tools for l#m