Orson Welles on Shakespeare: The W.P.A. and Mercury Theatre Playscripts (Contributions in Drama and Theatre Studies) [Hardcover]

Richard France (Editor)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0313273340 | ISBN-13: 978-0313273346 | Publication Date: December 30, 1990

This volume contains the fully annotated playscripts of Orson Welles' celebrated adaptations of three Shakespearean plays. Texts for the "Voodoo" Macbeth and the modern dress Julius Caesar are stage managers' working copies used by the Federal Theatre Project of the Works Progress Administration (W.P.A.) and the Mercury Theatre; the version of Five Kings, Welles' compilation of the history plays and his theatrical masterpiece, is the oldest surviving text, and is the fullest and most inclusive. This is the first publication of these materials, which were originally produced by Welles between 1936 and 1939. Orson Welles' New York directorial debut was made in 1936 with his production of the "Voodoo" Macbeth. Richard France's introduction provides invaluable background information that relates the three plays and their productions to the contemporary social, historical, political, and economic climate of the 30s, in discussions that touch not only on the W.P.A., but also on the effect of the American Communist Party ideology on theatre arts and criticism, on the composition of theatre audiences, and on the expectations of such "fervently liberal" or leftist audiences. France contends that Welles, in his W.P.A. and Mercury Theatre productions, presided over a unique marriage of art and the highly politicized popular culture of the day. These productions ensured Welles' enormous success and have earned him an important niche in American social and cultural history. Following the general introduction, the volume is divided into three sections. A preface to each of the scripts contains further biographical and background data relevant to that play, as well as critical materials, production photos, and facsimile pages. Information about the creation and production of "Voodoo" Macbeth (1936), Julius Caesar (1937), and Five Kings (1939) was gathered in numerous interviews with Welles' W.P.A. and Mercury Theatre collaborators. Each playscript is proceeded by production credits and a cast list and followed by a section of notes that contains Welles' own directorial marginalia. This singular and very focused volume will be a distinguished addition to courses in American Drama, American Studies, Play Production, and in courses that explore idiosyncratic productions of Shakespeare.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Richard France has given us access to genius in making Orson Welles' Shakespeare texts available. Bravo!.
–Stuart Vaughan, Former Artistic Director of the New York Shakespeare Festival

Richard France brilliantly illuminates the work of Orson Welles, providing the reader with a wealth of riches in his inspiring collection. Anyone who loves theatre and film, and who is fascinated by this great American genius, will love this book. France has give un easy access to the Welles' versions of his famous voodoo Macbeth, as well as his fascist Julius Caesar, and finally, of Five Kings, a reworking of Shakespeare's history plays. Wonderfully insightful, presented with eloquence and style, reading this book is like sitting down to a delicious meal. Thank you, Richard France, for this extraordinary piece of theatre history-it is to be cherished.
–Stacy Keach

A singularly important contribution to the growing body of material which holds that we should pay more attention to Shakespeare texts as performed and less to historical issues of textual authenticity. France's own experience as a playwright enables him to treat issues involving Welles and theatre with keener insight than most academic writing on the subject.
–Robert L. Carringer, University of Illinois at Urbana

The reputation of Orson Welles, tarnished by his own excesses, has been glowingly restored by Richard France's brilliant editing of the W.P.A. Mercury Theatre Playscripts. France skillfully reminds us why Welles dominates the history of the 20th Century as one of our greatest stage and film directors.
–Gene Feist, Founding Director of the Roundabout Theatre Company

...a mandatory volume for fans of either Welles or Shakespeare, which should encompass just about every culturally literate person alive..
– Scott Eyman, West Palm Beach Post January 20, 2002 --This text refers to the Paperback edition.

About the Author

RICHARD FRANCE teaches at the University of Southern California.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 312 pages
• Publisher: Greenwood Press (December 30, 1990)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0313273340
• ISBN-13: 978-0313273346
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.2 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,359,221 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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