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The Shakespeare Conference: SHK 18.0222  Friday, 30 March 2007

From: 		Hardy M. Cook <editor@shaksper.net>
Date: 		Friday, March 30, 2007
Subject: 	Royal Shakespeare Theatre Closing for Refurbishment

Below are details of the upcoming closing of the Royal Shakespeare 
Theatre, the archetype of early 20th century proscenium stages. Arriving 
at this point has been contentious, and I am sure many hold strong 
feelings; however, the bottom-line is that the existing space was no 
longer adequate and something had to be done. As for other points 
addressed in the release, I am not sure I understand what is meant by 
"The Other Place (TOP): will act as a foyer for the Courtyard Theatre 
and reopen as a small studio when all works are complete," and would 
welcome clarification. My experiences last summer at the Courtyard were 
enjoyable ones; I found it a fascinating space, full of interesting 
possibilities for performance, even vertical ones. I imagine there will 
no longer be a need for another 1,000 seat space when the Royal 
Shakespeare Theatre is refurbished, but I will fondly remember seeing 
the three Henry VI plays there.

--Hardy

 From BBC NEWS: 
http://news.bbc.co.uk:80/2/hi/uk_news/england/coventry_warwickshire/6509381.stm

The Royal Shakespeare Theatre will hold its last performance this 
weekend before closing for a multi-million pound refurbishment.

The £100m transformation of the world famous listed building, which 
opened in 1932, should be completed by 2010.

Plans include a "thrust" stage for the main theatre, a 108ft (33m) tower 
at the entrance and a riverside walkway.

During the work, the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) will operate at the 
nearby 1,000-seat Courtyard Theatre.

The last play before the refurbishment, the tragedy Coriolanus, will be 
performed on Saturday.

RSC TIMETABLE:
Royal Shakespeare Theatre (RST): Closes in 2007 as a 1,443-seat venue, 
reopens in 2010 with 1,000 seats

Swan Theatre: Closes for 2008 and 2009, then reopens unchanged

Courtyard Theatre: Opens in summer 2006 and closes when the new RST opens

The Other Place (TOP): will act as a foyer for the Courtyard Theatre and 
reopen as a small studio when all works are complete

The adjoining Swan Theatre is also being revamped as part of the plans.

In 2004, the RSC dropped controversial plans to demolish the Grade II 
listed building and replace it with a "theatre village".

When the current plans were announced last June, project architects 
Bennetts Associates said its designs would "restore the key Art Deco 
elements of the Grade II listed theatre while creating a more welcoming, 
combined entrance".  The new U-shaped stage, designed with theatre 
consultants Charcoalblue, is intended to "transform the relationship 
between artists and audiences".

Performers will be surrounded by the audience on three sides. The same 
design already exists at the Swan Theatre RSC artistic director Michael 
Boyd said they wanted to move away from the 19th Century proscenium 
'picture frame' style of theatre. The Arts Council England and regional 
development agency Advantage West Midlands have pledged up to £70m.

Story from BBC NEWS:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/2/hi/uk_news/england/coventry_warwickshire/6509381.stm

_______________________________________________________________
S H A K S P E R: The Global Shakespeare Discussion List
Hardy M. Cook, editor@shaksper.net
The S H A K S P E R Web Site <http://www.shaksper.net>

DISCLAIMER: Although SHAKSPER is a moderated discussion list, the 
opinions expressed on it are the sole property of the poster, and the 
editor assumes no responsibility for them.

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