Description
| Product ID: | 9781476666648 |
| Product Form: | Paperback / softback |
| Country of Manufacture: | US |
| Title: | Stage Managing Chaos |
| Subtitle: | A Diary of the Old Vic Production of Fernando Arrabal's The Architect and the Emperor of Assyria |
| Authors: | Author: Jackie Harvey |
| Page Count: | 204 |
| Subjects: | Theatre direction and production, Theatre direction & production, Diaries, letters and journals, Diaries, letters & journals, London, Greater London, c 1970 to c 1980 |
| Description: | In the early 1970s London''s National Theatre, led by Sir Laurence Olivier, launched an infamous avant garde production of The Architect and the Emperor of Assyria. Concerned that his classical approach would clash with the "enfant terrible" director, Victor Garcia, Olivier enlisted stage manager Jackie Harvey to keep a diary of the often ludicrous, occasionally creative, always challenging rehearsals. Anthony Hopkins and Jim Dale costarred in the surreal two-man piece. Led by the eccentric Garcia, the play quickly descended into a chaotic farce. Missed deadlines, technical hitches, unauthorized nudity and backstage feuds culminated in an unforgettable production, leaving the company debating: Was he a misunderstood genius or a brilliant con-artist? Accompanied by recollections from Hopkins, Dale and others, along with photographs and documents that bring the key players to life, this unique diary provides a snapshot of a crucial period in the history of the National Theatre. In the early 1970s, London's National Theatre, led by Sir Laurence Olivier, launched an infamous avant garde production of The Architect and the Emperor of Assyria. Concerned that his classical approach would clash with the ""enfant terrible"" director, Victor Garcia, Olivier enlisted stage manager Jackie Harvey to keep a diary of the often ludicrous, occasionally creative, always challenging rehearsals. Anthony Hopkins and Jim Dale costarred in the surreal two-man piece. Led by the eccentric Garcia, the play quickly descended into a chaotic farce. Missed deadlines, technical hitches, unauthorized nudity and backstage feuds culminated in an unforgettable production, leaving the company debating whether he was a misunderstood genius or a brilliant con-artist.The production was part of an upheaval in British theater, as old traditions gave way to new trends. Accompanied by recollections from Hopkins, Dale and others, along with photographs and documents that bring the key players to life, the diary provides a snapshot of a crucial period in the history of the National Theatre. |
| Imprint Name: | McFarland & Co Inc |
| Publisher Name: | McFarland & Co Inc |
| Country of Publication: | GB |
| Publishing Date: | 2016-10-30 |