Simon Williams – författare

In contrast to most books on Richard Wagner, this biography focuses primarily on Wagner as an important figure in the development of the theatre. While his contribution to music history has been exhaustively documented and analyzed, his theatrical ventures, in particular the founding of the Bayreuth Festival, have not been the object of much research by English-speaking theatre historians. Nevertheless, the Festival was a crucial event in the development of the European theatre: while Bayreuth established the paradigm for all modern theatre and music festivals, the Festival Theatre itself has provided the most widely imitated architectural configuration in twentieth-century theatre building.

In contrast to most books on Richard Wagner, this biography focuses primarily on Wagner as an important figure in the development of the theatre. While his contribution to music history has been exhaustively documented and analyzed, his theatrical ventures, in particular the founding of the Bayreuth Festival, have not been the object of much research by English-speaking theatre historians. Nevertheless, the Festival was a crucial event in the development of the European theatre: while Bayreuth established the paradigm for all modern theatre and music festivals, the Festival Theatre itself has provided the most widely imitated architectural configuration in twentieth-century theatre building.

Based on case histories from nine Third World countries, this study examines the successful cooperation between private agribusiness firms and small farmers to increase agricultural production and income in developing countries. In such ventures, small farmers are organized around a core private company that buys their output and provides manageria

Based on case histories from nine Third World countries, this book examines the successful cooperation between private agribusiness firms and small farmers to increase agricultural production and income in developing countries.

What do we mean by 'gender' and how does this relate to health?How is 'biology' best understood?What does a focus on the division of labour bring to our understanding of health work?Is (gender) 'equity' in health possible?How have developments such as the resurgence of emotions and the new genetics affected these and other social relations at the turn of the century?These are just some of the questions addressed in Gender, Health and Healing in which a whole range of issues are brought together and connected to emerging concerns in contemporary life such as the new genetics and transformations in biomedical knowledge and practices. It offers a challenging assessment of gender relations and embodied practices across the public/private divide, using health and healing as paradigmatic examples.This thought-provoking volume lies at the intersection of gender studies, the sociology of health and healing, health policy, the critical analysis of scientific knowledge and the current debates around the body, health and emotions. Bringing together new and leading scholars in the field, it provides a unique critical overview of contemporary debates in health care for an interdisciplinary readership.

What do we mean by 'gender' and how does this relate to health?How is 'biology' best understood?What does a focus on the division of labour bring to our understanding of health work?Is (gender) 'equity' in health possible?How have developments such as the resurgence of emotions and the new genetics affected these and other social relations at the turn of the century?These are just some of the questions addressed in Gender, Health and Healing in which a whole range of issues are brought together and connected to emerging concerns in contemporary life such as the new genetics and transformations in biomedical knowledge and practices. It offers a challenging assessment of gender relations and embodied practices across the public/private divide, using health and healing as paradigmatic examples.This thought-provoking volume lies at the intersection of gender studies, the sociology of health and healing, health policy, the critical analysis of scientific knowledge and the current debates around the body, health and emotions. Bringing together new and leading scholars in the field, it provides a unique critical overview of contemporary debates in health care for an interdisciplinary readership.

Relations between the biological and social sciences have been hotly contested and debated over the years. The uses and abuses of biology, not least to legitimate or naturalize social inequalities and to limit freedoms, have rightly been condemned. All too often, however the style of debate has been reductionist and ultimately unfruitful. As we enter an age in which ultr-Darwinian forms of explanation gather momentum and the bio-tech revolution threatens a 'Brave New World' of possibilities, there is urgent need to re-open the dialogue and rethink these issues in more productive ways.Debating Biology takes a fresh look at the relationship between biology and society as it is played out in the arena of health and medicine. Bringing together contributions from both biologists and sociologists, the book is divided into five themed sections:- Theorising Biology draws on a range of critical perspectives to discuss the case or 'bringing back' the biological into sociology.- Structuring Biology focuses on the interplay between biological and social factors in the 'patterning' of health and illness.- Embodying Biology examines the relationship between the lived body and the biological body- Technologizing Biology takes up the multiple relations between biology, science and technology.- Reclaiming Biology looks at the broader ethical and political agendas.Written in an accessible and engaging style, this timely volume will appeal to a wide audience within and beyond the social sciences, including students, lecturers and researchers in health and related domains.

Relations between the biological and social sciences have been hotly contested and debated over the years. The uses and abuses of biology, not least to legitimate or naturalize social inequalities and to limit freedoms, have rightly been condemned. All too often, however the style of debate has been reductionist and ultimately unfruitful. As we enter an age in which ultr-Darwinian forms of explanation gather momentum and the bio-tech revolution threatens a 'Brave New World' of possibilities, there is urgent need to re-open the dialogue and rethink these issues in more productive ways.Debating Biology takes a fresh look at the relationship between biology and society as it is played out in the arena of health and medicine. Bringing together contributions from both biologists and sociologists, the book is divided into five themed sections:- Theorising Biology draws on a range of critical perspectives to discuss the case or 'bringing back' the biological into sociology.- Structuring Biology focuses on the interplay between biological and social factors in the 'patterning' of health and illness.- Embodying Biology examines the relationship between the lived body and the biological body- Technologizing Biology takes up the multiple relations between biology, science and technology.- Reclaiming Biology looks at the broader ethical and political agendas.Written in an accessible and engaging style, this timely volume will appeal to a wide audience within and beyond the social sciences, including students, lecturers and researchers in health and related domains.

Few major artists have aroused the ire and adulation of successive generations as persistently as Richard Wagner. He was the centre of controversy during his lifetime and yet, when he died, he was the most idolized man in Germany. The situation has not changed much since then. Simon Williams explores the reasons for this adulation and antipathy by examining an aspect that may be a fundamental cause for this radical division in the reception of Wagner's work, the phenomenon of heroism. Williams analyses this heroism as a function of Wagner's theatre and music, beginning with a definition and examination of the concept of the heroic. The book also discusses all thirteen stage works by Wagner and the phenomenon of heroism and Wagner's adaptation of the figure of the Romantic hero. Williams offers a theatrical, musical, and cultural re-evaluation of one of the most enduring figures in the arts.

Covering German-language theatre from the Middle Ages to the present day, this study demonstrates how and why theatre became so important in German-speaking countries. Written by leading international scholars of German theatre, chapters cover all aspects of theatrical performance, including acting, directing, play-writing, scenic design and theatre architecture. The book argues that theatre is more central to the artistic life of German-speaking countries than anywhere else in the world. Relating German-language theatre to its social and intellectual context, the History demonstrates how theatre has often been used as a political tool. It challenges the idea that German theatre was undeveloped in contrast to other European countries in the seventeenth and early eighteenth centuries, provides a thematic survey of the crucial period of growth in the late eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, and discusses modern and contemporary German theatre by focusing in turn on the directors, playwrights, designers and theatre architecture.

This is an illustrated history of the performance and reception of Shakespeare's plays on the German stage from the English Comedians in the late sixteenth century to the First World War. Simon Williams argues that the vision of Shakespeare first articulated by critics of Sturm und Drang and romanticism was only realised in practice with the productions of Max Reinhardt in the early twentieth century. The book focuses on the classical period of German literature and theatre, when Shakespeare's plays were first staged in Germany in a relatively complete form, and when they had a potent influence on the writings of German drama and dramatic criticism. Important contributions to the critical reception of Shakespeare in the late eighteenth century are discussed. Professor Williams describes the steady increase in productions of Shakespeare's plays during the nineteenth century, paying attention to textual adaptation, actors' interpretations of leading roles and, in the latter part of the book, to the influence of the rise of the director on Shakespearean performance. A subsequent volume by Wilhelm Hortmann discusses Shakespeare production in Germany from the early twentieth century to the present day.

Acting is widely acknowledged to be the central art of the theatre and has a long and vibrant history. With over one thousand entries, this is the first encyclopedia of stage actors and acting around the world. More than one hundred renowned international contributors provide biographical, historical and technical information about actors both familiar and obscure whose work has been crucial in the development of acting methods and traditions from classical theatre to the present day. Entries on key directors, theorists and teachers, and on the elements and genres of acting provide insights into the history of acting as an art and its current practice. Including a chronological list of actors that spans the past two thousand years and many diverse countries and cultures, this Encyclopedia offers a fascinating and unique overview of acting onstage that will be of interest to anyone who attends or practises theatre.

Few major artists have aroused the ire and adulation of successive generations as persistently as Richard Wagner. He was the centre of controversy during his lifetime and yet, when he died, he was the most idolized man in Germany. The situation has not changed much since then. Simon Williams explores the reasons for this adulation and antipathy by examining an aspect that may be a fundamental cause for this radical division in the reception of Wagner's work, the phenomenon of heroism. Williams analyses this heroism as a function of Wagner's theatre and music, beginning with a definition and examination of the concept of the heroic. The book also discusses all thirteen stage works by Wagner and the phenomenon of heroism and Wagner's adaptation of the figure of the Romantic hero. Williams offers a theatrical, musical, and cultural re-evaluation of one of the most enduring figures in the arts.

Covering German-language theatre from the Middle Ages to the present day, this study demonstrates how and why theatre became so important in German-speaking countries. Written by leading international scholars of German theatre, chapters cover all aspects of theatrical performance, including acting, directing, play-writing, scenic design and theatre architecture. The book argues that theatre is more central to the artistic life of German-speaking countries than anywhere else in the world. Relating German-language theatre to its social and intellectual context, the History demonstrates how theatre has often been used as a political tool. It challenges the idea that German theatre was undeveloped in contrast to other European countries in the seventeenth and early eighteenth centuries, provides a thematic survey of the crucial period of growth in the late eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, and discusses modern and contemporary German theatre by focusing in turn on the directors, playwrights, designers and theatre architecture.

On her 70th birthday ex-actress Margot Buchanan is visited by Sadie Croft, an actress having an affair with her ex-husband Leo, who wants advice on playing Juliet. Leo arrives on the scene and promptly dies of a heart attack. His ghost then appears, anxious to sort matters out between his women.

Actress Zoe Lang attends a most unusual improvisational workshop and finds herself auditioning to be the bait for a real-life serial killer known as "The Surgeon". As Zoe and the police home in on their target, they soon discover that the target has never been that far away from them...

In an isolated house on the cliffs of north Cornwall the sibling rivalry between identical twins Max and Ashley Hennessy is coming to a murderous climax. They both know one of them must die, but, trapped in his wheelchair, Ashley knows the odds are now against him and he is in mortal danger - but does DI Fergus believe him? And can he trust Nurse Malahide, who has been employed to protect him? Poor Lalla, the twins' aunt, is torn between the two boys: which of them is the victim and which is the psychopath? Perhaps they have done it once again - pulled off the final 'switch'.

As anyone familiar with Simon Williams' previous play "Nobody's Perfect" will know, the popular romantic novelist, Myrtle Banbury is none other than divorced, male, statistician Lenny. In this sequel, Letitia Butters, presenter of the hit TV show "Mind Your Own Business", wants to interview Myrtle Banbury in her own home and Lenny has a problem - how can he conduct the interview without having to appear to the great British public in drag? Aided and occasionally hindered by his father, Gus (who develops more than a soft spot for Letitia) and daughter Dee Dee (who is about to become a single parent herself), Lenny and Myrtle complete the interview thanks to some improvised technology and more than a dash of luck! An additional complication arrives in the form of Fran, Lenny's ex-wife, but circumstances - and Myrtle's sense and sensitivity - lead Lenny's and Fran's story towards a romantic and surprising conclusion.

This play needs M2 and F5, as well as a lounge. "It's my birthday. All I wanted was a bottle of Claret and a couple of winners at Sandown". Instead, retired actress Margot Buchanan receives three separate visitors: her ex-husband Leo, an ageing film star fresh from a punch-up with a reporter, Leo's current wife Judy, and his latest mistress Sadie, an aspiring Juliet seeking Margot's acting advice. Just as the inevitable fireworks kick off, Leo suffers a fatal heart attack. Then the kissogram shows up..."Happy Birthday Me" is a touching and very funny comedy in one act based on the author's earlier full-length play, "Laying the Ghost". The casting includes: Margot Buchanan, an actress, 70; Miss Freda Deacon, an elderly actress; Mrs Kidd, the home administrator; Sir Leo Buchanan, an actor, 71; Lady Buchanan, Leo's wife, late 40s; Sadie Croft, a young actress; and, Superman, an unwelcome visitor.

Supporting students on placements in health and social care settings, this accessible guide provides a framework for understanding the theory behind successful practice as well as the critical skills needed to apply it. A Student's Guide to Placements in Health and Social Care Settings takes theory beyond the classroom and apply it to real settings, enabling students to recognise their own learning journey and develop their own distinct professional identity within a wider interprofessional context.This is a key resource for placement experience with insights from experts and advice direct from students who have already been on placement. With clear guidelines, and structured so that you can dip into different chapters as needed, it responds to the unique nature of placement opportunities and is the first line resource students should turn to.Whatever course you’re studying in the caring profession - Social Work, Health and Social Care, Youth Work, Nursing or Counselling – this is essential reading to help understand how theory can support and improve your placement experience, ensuring you get the very most out of it.

Research in Health and Social Care equips students and early-career practitioners with the crucial knowledge, skills and understanding required to conduct sound research. Accessibly written, it is structured to allow professionals and students to engage in the theoretical development of their practice in ethical and reflective research.Each chapter is co-written with students, featuring vignettes from health and social care students that highlight their personal journeys with research engagement. Content includes:exploring the everyday nature of research, processes, procedures and analysisdemystifying key terminologyan introduction to research and its importance in practicecreative and traditional tools of researchanalysing data and how to disseminate dataapproaches to researchembedding research into practiceDiscussions around key theoretical ideas are explored throughout, as well as opportunities for deep reflection.This essential book is perfect for all social work and health and social care students, as well as early-career practitioners, aiming to deepen their knowledge and skills in conducting robust, ethical and relevant developmental research.

With a broader range of entries than any other reference book on stage directors, this Encyclopedia showcases the extraordinary diversity of theatre as a national and international artistic medium. Since the mid nineteenth century, stage directors have been simultaneously acclaimed as prime artists of the theatre and vilified as impediments to effective performance. Their role may be contentious but they continue to exert powerful influence over how contemporary theatre is made and engaged with. Each of the entries - numbering over 1,000 - summarises a stage director's career and comments on the distinctive characteristics of their work, alluding to broader traditions where relevant. With an introduction discussing the evolution of the director's role across the globe and bibliographic references guiding further reading, this volume will be an invaluable reference work for stage directors, actors, designers, choreographers, researchers, and students of theatre seeking to better understand how directors work across different cultural traditions.

Obesity is a global public health problem of crucial importance. Obesity rates remain high in high-income countries and are rapidly increasing in low- and middle- income countries. Concurrently, the global consumption of unhealthy products, such as soft drinks and processed foods, continues to rise. The ongoing expansion of multinational food and beverage companies, or ‘Big Food’, is a key factor behind these trends.This collection provides critical insight into the global expansion of ‘Big Food’, including its incursion into low-and-middle income countries. It examines the changing dynamics of the global food supply, and discusses how low-income countries can alter the ‘Big Food’-diet from the bottom-up. It examines a number of issues related to ‘Big Food’ marketing strategies, including the way in which they advertise to youths and the rural poor. These issues are discussed in terms of their public health implications, and their relation to public health activities, for example ‘soda taxes’, and the promotion of nutritionally-healthier products. This book was originally published as a special issue of Critical Public Health.

Obesity is a global public health problem of crucial importance. Obesity rates remain high in high-income countries and are rapidly increasing in low- and middle- income countries. Concurrently, the global consumption of unhealthy products, such as soft drinks and processed foods, continues to rise. The ongoing expansion of multinational food and beverage companies, or ‘Big Food’, is a key factor behind these trends.This collection provides critical insight into the global expansion of ‘Big Food’, including its incursion into low-and-middle income countries. It examines the changing dynamics of the global food supply, and discusses how low-income countries can alter the ‘Big Food’-diet from the bottom-up. It examines a number of issues related to ‘Big Food’ marketing strategies, including the way in which they advertise to youths and the rural poor. These issues are discussed in terms of their public health implications, and their relation to public health activities, for example ‘soda taxes’, and the promotion of nutritionally-healthier products. This book was originally published as a special issue of Critical Public Health.

Grandmaster Simon Williams presents a complete repertoire for Black with the Dutch Defense, which is based on his own repertoire he has used successfully at grandmaster level for many years.