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| Wednesday, 14 July 2004 |
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The Royal Shakespeare Theatre : Monument to a literary genius by Gwen Herat The Royal Shakespeare Theatre complex at Stratford Upon Avon, stands as a symbol of undying affection to its most illustrious son who rose to be the world's most recognised, revered and immortalised literary genius. However, it was a struggle for the Shakespeare Birthplace Trustees to turn it to what it is today; the most visited, glorified literary theatre for scholars and visitors, critics and actors with its store-house of tapes, recordings, films, videos, books and magazines. The extended foyer that was completed in 1981 provides a valuable filtering function. In the past it was difficult to get in through the front door of the birthplace. This has been eased with thousands of visitors filtering through. Visitors now have the time to take it easy and feel the sense of period by seeing the costumes used by the BBC's television productions. They also have a clear view of the works of celebrated sculptors and artists.
All this happened because of Charles Edward Flower who in 1970 was thinking loud. He was a lover of Shakespeare and a true son of Stratford and being very rich, was determined to create a true memorial to the town's most famous son in which his work would never die. So, he gifted a two acre site on the banks of Avon and founded the Shakespeare Memorial Association which soon advertised for theatre designs. In 1877 on Shakespeare's birthday (April 23) a foundation stone was laid with Masonic rituals. This was the first elaborately designed building in the style of the Black Forest Gothic which housed an audience of about 800. However, the theatre was destroyed almost entirely by a mystery fire in 1926. What remains today is the contents of the Shakespeare art gallery which held the theatre's library before it was transferred to the Birthplace Trust at Hanley Street. Invitation Tracing back to the Black Forest days what really mae London to wake up from its sleep, came in the shape of a young actor named, Frank Benson. Flower had seen Benson and his youthful company perform in Macbeth in nearby Leamington. As expected there were shortcomings in the early theatre and Benson's was no exception.
The curtain had been dropped before the dagger speech and a dozen other things had gone wrong. However, there had been something in Benson that drew Flower's attention and earned him a lunch invitation with Charles Flower on Sunday. Benson and his wife who were fine teachers themselves as much as actors pushed Stratford to a unique centre stage from 1886 to 1918. Except for one of two, every play in the folio was performed by them as the annual festivals grew into glittering occasions that attracted large crowds. Included among them were famous actors, actresses and playwrights. Benson was the first actor to be knighted in a theatre but sadly not from Stratford's but during a centenary matinee at Drury Lane. Mot of the theatres were burned down to the ground and in 1925 it was incorporated under Royal Charter as the Royal Shakespeare Memorial Theatre. After the fire and before the ashes could cool off, another Flower by the name of Archibald smitten by the Bard, planned a new theatre. He donated large sums of money and led a company of actors on a fund raising tour to America. New Theatre During this time, the 'Royal' Shakespeare cast performed in the local theatres. America was generous because at the end of the third tour, 20,000 sterling pounds were raised. This was the cost of the new theatre and it was designed by the 29-year-old Elizabeth Scott. It was opened by the Prince of Wales in 1932. But England had to wait for the end of the Second World War to see Stratford again. And once again a wealthy director, Sir Barry Jackson invested in youth. He came from the Birmingham Repertory and invested his time, energy, money etc. in the likes of Paul Schofield and Peter Brook. Sir Jackson was followed by Anthony Quale who combined acting and directing the Glen Bryan Show. This was in the 50s, the golden era of Laurence Oliver, John Gielgold, Vivian Leigh, Peggy Ashcroft among others who acted in Shakespeare's plays. Everywhere the people were looking passionately for something to happen and yet there was no permanent company of actors. Came Peter Hall as director in the following year when the Royal Shakespeare Theatre Company was formed in Stratford as well as in London. In London non-Shakespearean classics were performed. Hall was joined by Peter Brook and Michael Saint-Denies as directors and kept the productions on experimental basis and these ideals continue even today. Other Place In the 1974 the Royal Shakespeare Company opened another theatre called the 'Other Place'. In November 1986 the Queen opened the Swan Theatre which largely feature plays by Shakespeare's contemporaries as a tribute to him. The Swan Theatre was funded by a wealthy American oil tycoon named Fredrich Coch who remained a mysterious benefactor until queen Elizabeth formally handed it over to the Royal Shakespeare Theatre. Each year on St. George's Day which is April 23 and the Bard's birthday as well as the day he died, Stratford arrange to honour and pay tribute to the poet. This is attended by official representatives of nations of the world as well as distinguished personalities. All locals join the traditional toast and ceremonial unfurling of flags of different nations and the floral procession from the birthplace to the poet's tomb. These are but a few symbols of universal recognitions of the enduring genius of the poet. In 1964, Shakespeare's 400th birth anniversary was celebrated with wide international recognition. Commemorative productions, festivals, translations, exhibitions, stamps, medals, souvenirs and other commemorative items were publicised by the media and brought home the people of many nations and countries to inculcate the enrichment of Stratford's common civilisation made by the genius of an icon. They were followed by several main productions of his plays, exhibitions of personal items,music, poetry, recitals, lectures, films and folk dances native to his birthplace. They were set against the background of the Royal Shakespeare Theatre's productions. Dual purpose The new Shakespeare Centre built by the Trustees of The Birthplace, serves a dual purpose. It is the headquarters as well as the focal point in its educational and academic work. It is open to students and scholars of all nationalities with an excellent library and archive collection. The Centre also extended an addition in 1981 to provide visitors a reception hall and assembly facilities. I for one, was amazed at the change. It was a beautiful experience to sit and overlook the garden of Shakespeare's birthplace. This is a striking building very modern in design and materials, embellished by the works of distinguished artists and craftsmen. The Royal Shakespeare Theatre sinks in well with the original environment left behind by William Shakespeare and Anne Hathaway not distracting or surfacing the stark difference in their buildings or architecture. Inside the theatre, one feels all Shakespeare as though he is hovering around and when you step into his house as if he is there too. This genius of a man whose work has touched the hearts of every nation, has only few places left where he is not known. And they are the rest of the planets. **** Back **** |
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