How to Direct a Play

Braham Murray is a Founding Artistic Director of the Royal Exchange Theatre Company. In 1964, his Oxford production of Hang Down Your Head And Die transferred to the West End and Broadway, directed at the tender age of 21. From the Century Theatre, where he was Artistic Director, he became a Founding Director of the 69 Theatre Company. His credits include She Stoops To Conquer and Charley's Aunt (with Tom Courtenay), Mary Rose (with Mia Farrow), Endgame, and the musicals ERB and Catch My Soul, all of which transferred to London. Other credits include Uncle Vanya (Circle in the Square Theatre, New York), the world premiere of Tod Machover's Resurrection (Houston Grand Opera), The Good Companions, The Black Mikado), Andy Capp, The Cabinet Minister and Lady Windermere's Fan, all on the West End.

“There’s a great deal of useful, down-to-earth advice in this book… some of Murray’s anecdotes are highly entertaining.” – The Stage“An easy and entertaining read that gives an overview of the job of director from the point of view of someone who has been directing for nearly half a century and points out quite a number of traps and pitfalls for an inexperienced director to avoid. As such, it is a useful introduction to the profession.” – British Theatre Guide“Easy to read, frank and brutally honest… Filled with brilliant advice… this book is invaluable to anyone currently training to be a director, or ones who are looking at new approaches to their craft… fresh and stands out, an easy to digest book filled with bite- size golden nuggets of information that anyone with an interest in theatre would find invaluable.” – The Public Reviews"A fascinating read [that] has much to offer anyone involved in the exciting task of puttong on a play... Murray's easy style made this a fascinating book." - Word Matters

• "WARNING 7 MOST OF THEM GET IN YOUR WAY 9 WHY DO YOU DO IT? 13 PRE-REHEARSAL 17 THE REHEARSAL PERIOD 49 MUSICALS 69 OPERA 75 NEW PLAY S 81 FARCE 85 COMEDY 89 SHAKESPEARE 97 GREEK TRAGEDY 115 HOW TO HANDLE DIFFICULT ACTORS 119 WORKING WITH PRODUCERS 125 ARTISTIC DIRECTION 129 GOOD LUCK, 134"