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WWII
Prior to World War II, performance art had never been subsidized by the Britsh Government. It was, however, during and after WWII in order to bring some sort of joy to the soldiers, factory workers, and civilians enduring the horrors of WWII. This would be the beginning of British theatre's subsidization (Brocket 201). -
The English Stage Company (better known as the Royal Court Theatre)
John Osborne this same year would produce his play, "Look Back on Anger" where a new group of playwrights would be born: the "angry young men." At this same time, Osborne's play would find itself disregarding the current standards of respectability (Brocket 204). -
Royal Shakespeare Company
The former Stratford Theatre becomes the Royal Shakespeare Company (Brocket 201-203). The following link details the entire history of the Royal Shakespeare Company, its various Artistic Directors, and renovations made to the physical building itself: https://www.rsc.org.uk/about-us/history -
The National Theatre
The National Theatre in London is inaugurated by Laurence Oliver with opening night showcasing "Hamlet" starring Peter O' Toole. This was the theatre's first live performance (The Royal National Theatre). -
"Marat/Sade"
Peter Brook produces "Marat/Sade" at the Royal Shakespeare Company. This play illustrates French writer Marquis de Sade as he is institutionalized in an insane asylum (Roger Ebert). The patients of the asylum unravel with the course of the story. Peter Brooks would go on to also showcase "A Midsummer Nights Dream" at the RSC in 1970 (Brocket 202). -
Edward Bond's "Saved" and the Fight against Censorship
Edward Bond produced "Saved" in the year 1965 and was met by opposition by the Lord Chamberlain who deemed it untasteful and gruesome for the British audience (Brocket 204). The Chamberlain refused to license the play for this reason, but Bond still produced the play and performed it to a private audience--he was then prosecuted by the Chamberlain. Bond would not give up the fight against censorship (see 1967). -
"Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead"
Tom Stoppard, a Czech immigrant, would gain popularity in 1967 with the play "Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead" (Brocket 204). This play focuses on two minor characters in "Hamlet" that do not understand the complete magnitude of the events happening around them (Concord Theatricals). Stoppard's Jewish parents were refugees fleeing the Nazis during WWII that settled in England. He is still alive today (British Council Global). -
Edward Bond's "Early Morning" and Censorship
Edward Bond, after facing prosecution for his play "Saved" by the Lord Chamberlain, would not be deterred from producing the plays he wanted to produce. "Early Morning" is a play in which Queen Victora is in a same-sex relationship, and it was not well received by Lord Chamberlain. However, this event and play would force Parliament to reevaluate the Licensing Act that had been upheld since 1737, and it would then be abolished. A victory over Censorship (Brocket 204)! -
"Equus" and Peter Shaffer
Peter Shaffer would produce "Equus" (1973) and "Amadeus" (1979) during the 1970s, these are his two best-known plays. Both plays would go on to win Tony awards and have long-standing success on broadway (Brocket 204). -
National Theatre Company Gets New Home
The National Theatre Company is moved to its new, permanent home on the River Thames. Over 20 productions and more than 1,000 performances are held here each year (Brocket 202). -
Works Cited
Brockett, Oscar, et al., "The Essential of Theatre." Chapter 8. Cengage Learning, 2011.
Ebert, Roger. “Marat/Sade Movie Review & Film Summary (1967): Roger Ebert.” Movie Review & Film Summary (1967) | Roger Ebert, www.rogerebert.com/reviews/maratsade-1967.
“Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead.” Concord Theatricals, www.concordtheatricals.com/p/2819/rosencrantz-and-guildenstern-are-dead. -
Works Cited Pt 2
“History of the National Theatre.” National Theatre, 14 Aug. 2018, www.nationaltheatre.org.uk/about-the-national-theatre/history.
“History of the RSC: A Timeline.” Royal Shakespeare Company, www.rsc.org.uk/about-us/history.
“Tom Stoppard.” Literature, British Global Council, 1 Jan. 1970, literature.britishcouncil.org/writer/tom-stoppard.