Before the advent of large organisations like the RSC it was individuals that carried the torch for their generation enduring hardships to bring Shakespeare to wider attention. They were referred to as actor-managers as they owned or part owned the companies or theatres they performed with. The first of which one could consider to be William Shakespeare himself an actor, playwright and theatre owner. Richard Burbage the actor to first perform many of Shakespeare’s great roles was himself and actor-manager. Here are a few of the great names that dedicated their life and talent to this pursuit. Please click there names for a link to a biography. We salute them and strive to carry on this great tradition. The British Shakespeare Company is the last professional actor-manager company in Great Britain.
Richard Burbage 1568-1619
David Garrick 1717-1779
Edmund Kean 1787-1833
Chevalier Ira Aldridge, Knight of Saxony 1807-1867
Sir Henry Irving 1838-1905
William Poel 1852-1934
Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree 1853-1917
Sir Donald Wolfit 1902-1968
Sir Laurence Olivier 1907-1989
I have just returned from Norway and filming scenes from The Tempest and Titus Andronicus. Above is an image of Prospero played by BSC regular John Ioannou. We filmed in some stunning locations and I would like to thank the cast and Norwegian crew for doing such a wonderful job. Please visit the film section where some new pictures on location have been added.
There is a 6 month long Washington Shakespeare Festival taking place until June 2008. The web site has a fantastic section called “Explore Shakespeare” that I recommend. Here is an interesting artical in the New York Times about the festival and the many Globe theatres around the world. Including a new Ice Globe in Sweden where you can watch Hamlet at minus 20c. It seems again England is being outdone by the USA in its support for Shakespeare and his works. Do you think that England should do more than simply fund one company the RSC? Please comment
The British Shakespeare Company will again be in Norway for a few days next week. The appropriately named World’s End will be the stunning back drop for Prospero and Miranda in The Tempest.