Shakespeare in the Theatre: Trevor Nunn

Sir Trevor Nunn is a highly respected director of Shakespeare who has combined close textual analysis with inventive theatricality to challenge and change perceptions of the plays. This book examines his work as director of Shakespeare during his artistic directorship of the RSC and the NT, focusing on major productions that have challenged and changed perceptions, such as The Winters Tale, the 'Roman Plays season, and Alls Well That Ends Well.

Format: Hardback
Length: 264 pages
Publication date: 15 November 2018
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

Sir Trevor Nunn, a renowned director in the English-speaking theatre, has left an indelible mark on the world of Shakespearean performances. In his comprehensive book, "Shakespeare and the Cultural Politics of British Theatre in the Twentieth and Twenty-First Centuries," Nunn delves into his remarkable achievements as a director of Shakespeare within the broader framework of discussions about the cultural politics of Britain's theatrical institutions. His approach, characterized by a harmonious blend of meticulous textual analysis and innovative theatricality, has traversed a wide range of performance spaces, from the grand stages of the Royal Shakespeare Company and the National Theatre to the intimate confines of the company's studio theatres.

The central focus of the book revolves around Nunn's artistic directorship of the RSC and the NT, during which he directed several groundbreaking productions that reshaped perceptions of Shakespeare's plays. The four core chapters delve into these significant productions in great detail, encompassing "The Winters Tale" (RSC, 1969), the "Roman Plays season" (RSC, 1972), "Alls Well That Ends Well" (RSC, 1982), and the studio productions of "Macbeth" (RSC, 1976), "Othello" (RSC, 1989), and "The Merchant of Venice" (NT, 1999). The study draws upon a wealth of archival material, as well as reviews and other published commentary, including insights from actors who have collaborated with Nunn.

Through his meticulous attention to detail and his ability to bring Shakespeare's words to life on stage, Nunn has created a series of performances that have captivated audiences worldwide. His interpretations have challenged traditional notions of the plays and offered fresh perspectives on their themes and characters. By examining Nunn's work within the context of debates on the cultural politics of British theatre, the book provides a valuable insight into the evolving landscape of theatrical production and the impact of directors on shaping our understanding of Shakespeare's plays.

In conclusion, Sir Trevor Nunn's "Shakespeare and the Cultural Politics of British Theatre in the Twentieth and Twenty-First Centuries" is a must-read for anyone interested in Shakespearean performances and the broader cultural context in which they are produced. Nunn's exceptional talent as a director has left an indelible mark on the world of theatre, and his book offers a profound exploration of his achievements and the impact he has had on the art form.

Weight: 370g
Dimension: 135 x 205 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781474289580