My Shakespeare: A Director's Journey through the First Folio

The book "My Shakespeare" by Greg Doran, Artistic Director of the Royal Shakespeare Company from 2012 to 2022, chronicles his personal and professional journey and explores the production of all plays in Shakespeare's First Folio. It includes insights into key collaborations, autobiographical details, and behind-the-scenes information.

Format: Hardback
Length: 376 pages
Publication date: 20 April 2023
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

The Times' Best Books of the Year

This captivating book delves into the personal and professional journey of Greg Doran, the Artistic Director of the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) from 2012 to 2022, and a renowned Shakespearean of his generation. Throughout his illustrious career, Doran has directed or produced every play included in Shakespeare's First Folio, a remarkable achievement commemorating the 400th anniversary of its original publication in the same year.

Each chapter explores a distinct play, delving into the choices made by Doran and incorporating autobiographical details alongside insights into the RSC's history and key collaborations with renowned actors such as Judi Dench, David Tennant, Harriet Walter, Patrick Stewart, Simon Russell Beale, Paterson Joseph, and his late husband, the late Antony Sher. The book also features 16 striking pages showcasing stills from various RSC productions.

Through Doran's narrative, readers gain a unique perspective on his extraordinary journey. He reveals how Henry VIII, initially perceived as a burdensome role, turned out to be his lucky break; how the tragedy of 9/11 unfolded during a matinee of King John; how the play's language played a significant role in conveying the unspeakable; how a RSC supporter bequeathed their skull to the company for use as Yorick in Hamlet; how encountering Nelson Mandela inspired the production of Julius Caesar; how Falstaff was introduced to China for the first time; and how arachnophobia informed the production of Macbeth.

This book offers a captivating glimpse into the world of working on these iconic plays, capturing the excitement, energy, surprises, joys, and agonies that accompany the creative process. Doran's own research and discoveries further enhance our understanding of these plays, shedding new light on their timeless themes and resonant messages.

In conclusion, The Times' Best Books of the Year: Greg Doran's Shakespearean Odyssey is a must-read for anyone passionate about Shakespeare, theater, or the power of storytelling. It is a testament to Doran's exceptional talent and dedication, providing a profound and immersive journey into the world of one of the greatest Shakespearean directors of our time.

Weight: 786g
Dimension: 165 x 242 x 36 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781350330191