New Sites For Shakespeare

Theatre writer and director, John Russell Brown was an Associate Director of the National Theatre, London for fifteen years and has taught at various universities in the UK and US. He is currently Consultant to the School of Drama at Middlesex University.

'John Russell Brown's new book is a must. Neatly written and jargon-free, Russell Brown's polemic is one of the best books about Shakespeare because it dares to ask a basic question: what's the point of drama? Even if you don't agree with his opinions about the reconstructed Globe Theatre, or think his views on today's touring companies are a bit outdated, his passion, energy and longing for excitement command attention. But beware: this book may encourage you to abandon your yearly outing to the theatre, and go abroad instead.' - The Independent'a very personal voyage of discovery...fresh and uncluttered' - TLS, Nov 1999'John Russell Brown has expanded the range and scope of Shakespeare studies, reinventing Shakespeare for himself.' - Louis Scheeder, Tisch School of the Arts, New York University, USA'An innovative, masterful and abundantly interesting volume, one which will certainly be in the vanguard of new Shakespeare directions.' - Mark Thornton Burnett, The Queen's University of Belfast

• Introduction PART I Visiting 1 Open Stages: presence and occasion 2 Audiences: on stage and off stage 3 Ritual: action and meaning 4 Ceremony: behaviour and reception 5 Performance: imagination and involvement 6 Improvisation: freedom and collusion 7 Response: actors and audiences 8 Settings: actors and stages PART II Returning 9 Criticism: texts and study 10 Control: directors and companies 11 Scenography: theatres and design 12 Actors: training and performance, Forward prospect