Author Description

New Sites for Shakespeare argues that an audience's understanding of Shakespeare is limited by the kinds of theatre it has seen. On repeated visits to Asia John Russell Brown sought out forms of performances which were new to him, and found that he gained a fresh and exciting view of the theatre for which Shakespeare wrote. New Sites for Shakespeare share these extraordinary journeys of discoveries. In this fascinating and very illuminating study, Russell Brown gives close attention to particular theatre productions and performances in Japan, Korea, China, Bali and especially India. The book is divided into separate chapters which consider staging, acting, improvisation, ceremonies and ritual. The reaction of audiences and their interaction with actors are shown to be crucial factors in these theatrical experiences. Bringing to bear his background as theatre director, critic and scholar, the author considers current productions in Europe and north America, in the light of his insights into Asian theatre. Ultimately this book calls for radical change in how we stage, study and read Shakespeare's plays today.