-
Look Back in Anger
On May 8, 1956, John Osborne opened at the Royal Court. His production under Artistic Director George Devine was the third production of the New England Stage Company. John Osborne Look Back in Anger is now considered the play that marks the beginning of modern British drama. (Royal Court Theater) -
Lorraine Hansberry
Lorraine Hansberry born in 1930 was the first African American female author to have a play performed on Broadway. She was best known for her play named A Raisin in the Sun. When she first came to New York City she wrote for Freedom and was not afraid to confront any conflict that may have came her way with Race, Religion ect. The long running play gave many black theater people the opportunity to meet and work together. -
Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC)
The Shakespeare Memorial Theatre opened its first building in 1879. The Theater was rebuilt after a fire in 1932. In 1961 Stratford theatre became the Royal Shakespeare Theatre when the Royal Shakespeare Company was founded by Peter Hall. RSC is where they train generations of the best theatre makers and care for the talent of the future, reach millions of people through learning programs, and create projects with and for communities who are engaged in their work. (Royal Shakespeare Company) -
Peter Brook
In 1962, Peter Brook became codirector of RSC. This was after he staged a production of Shakespeare’s King John, for the Birmingham Repertory Theatre. Soon after he became associated with the Royal Shakespeare Company. During his time as codirector some of his larger productions played during this time were Titus Andronicus, King Lear, and A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Brook’s interest in experimentation and improvisation is what was shown in these productions (Britannica Kids). -
Early Morning
Early Morning was written in 1967 by Edward Bonds. This was his next unapproved play. "Queen Victoria as having a lesbian affair with Florence Nightingale" (Brockett 204). This play pushed Parliament to abolish previous censorship acts and create The Theatres Act which prevented plays from being censored anymore. Because of Early Morning, Theatres all over the world could now show whatever play they wanted, no matter the scene. -
Negro Ensemble Company
In 1965, Douglas Ward, Robert Hooks, and Gerald Krone came together to make dreams a reality with the Negro Ensemble Company. Robert and Douglas were castmates in the road company. They dreamed of starting a theater company run by and for black people. With money from the Ford Foundation, NEC was formed officially in 1967.In London the NEC’s first production, “Song of the Lucitanian Bogey ''(1967) was attacked by protesters who resented the anti colonial message. (The Negro Ensemble Company Inc) -
"No Sex Please, We're British"
June 3rd, 1971 one of the most successful British comedies premiered at the Strand Theatre. "No Sex Please, We're British" totaled 6,761 performances making it the longest running British comedy. It played in three different venues, moving from the Strand Theatre to the Garrick Theatre and finally the Dutchess. The success of this play went beyond the original as many adaptations have been performed as well as an American version on Broadway (London Theatre History and Timeline). -
The National Theatre was built
On January 5, 1976 The National Theatre was rebuilt. Inside it contains three theaters inside named The Olivier, The Lyttelton and The Dorfman. They all opened separately between 1976 and 1977. They building was designed by Sir Denys Lasdun and Peter Softley, and structural engineers Flint & Neill. The National Theatre has quickly become one of the most prestigious theatres for an actor to perform in. (London Theater History and timeline) -
Gay Theatre Alliance
In 1978 Gay Theatre Alliance was formed in order to link all of the gay theatre companies to one another. As written in the Brockett text, “Café Cinno and La MaMa Experimental Theatre Club produced some of the most well-known plays dealing with LGBTQ issues” (Brockett 254). These companies helped other companies stand strong knowing they had other’s backing them up. -
"Nicholas Nickleby"
June 1980 "Nicholas Nickleby" directed by John Caird and Trevor Nunn opened at the Aldwych Theatre. This eight and a half hour production was originally an eight week run. This two part production became a sellout playing for more than two seasons at the Aldwych theatre, transferring to Broadway in 1981-1982. This saved the RSC after a drastic cut in funding when Treveor Nunn put everything into this one play.