Redfield, William
Letters from an Actor, Anniversary Edition
- ISBN 13:
- 9781493084609
- author:
- Redfield, William
- format:
- Paperback
- publisher:
- Applause Books
- language:
- English
- Publication Year:
- 2024
- Pages:
- 264
- Dimensions:
- 20.3 x 12.6 x 2.2 centimetres (0
- Genre:
- Arts & Photography, Performing Arts, Theater,
- Condition:
- New
- Availability:
- Item usually sent within 4 working days
Description
The legendary 1964 Broadway run of Hamlet is one of the most famous productions of Shakespeare's most important play. Directed by John Gielgud, it was a groundbreaking concept that placed actors in everyday clothes within an unassuming "rehearsal" set, with the Ghost of Hamlet's father projected as a shadow against the rear wall and voiced by the director himself. This innovative approach was a major factor in the production's critical and financial success, breaking records for most performances of a Broadway show. The starring role played by Richard Burton was also a significant draw, amidst the romance with Elizabeth Taylor that captivated audiences worldwide. Meanwhile, actor William Redfield kept a detailed diary of his experiences during the three months leading up to the play's opening night. Redfield's letters, written throughout this period, offer a unique behind-the-scenes account of the drama and egos at work backstage. In 1967, they were collected into Letters from an Actor, a book that has since become an indispensable contribution to theatrical history and lore. This revised edition brings Redfield's classic back into print, offering a fascinating glimpse into one of theatre's most iconic productions.