This month we're bringing you a selection of fantastic plays from our North American partners, Theatre Communications Group and Playwrights Canada Press. They include an updating of the myth of Eurydice by Pulitzer-finalist Sarah Ruhl, a fabulously anarchic 'sequel' to Shakespeare's Titus Andronicus by performance artist Taylor Mac, Wajdi Mouawad's award-winning play about the Israeli-Palestinian … Continue reading Great new drama from the US and Canada
Author: nickhernbooks
‘Traditional Shakespeare makes me shudder’ – Andrew Hilton on keeping the plays fresh
Over the course of his fifty-year career, Andrew Hilton has directed dozens of Shakespeare plays to widespread acclaim – including from the Guardian's Lyn Gardner, who has called him 'one of the great tellers of Shakespeare'. Hilton's new book, Shakespeare on the Factory Floor, draws on these decades of experience, offering insights for theatre-makers, students … Continue reading ‘Traditional Shakespeare makes me shudder’ – Andrew Hilton on keeping the plays fresh
How to learn an American accent – top tips from a leading voice and dialect coach
Rebecca Gausnell is a voice and dialect coach who's worked on film, TV and theatre productions around the world, helping actors give convincing performances that not only sound authentically American, but connect the voice to the character they're playing. In this extract from her new book, Mastering an American Accent: The Compact Guide, Rebecca offers … Continue reading How to learn an American accent – top tips from a leading voice and dialect coach
Theatre for the Climate Emergency: 100 Plays to Save the World
Fighting climate change is an urgent, universal endeavour – and theatre-makers and playwrights have a vital role to play, capturing the reality of an experience we've never faced before, and envisaging our responses to it. Elizabeth Freestone and Jeanie O'Hare's new book, 100 Plays to Save the World, is a guide to a hundred brilliant … Continue reading Theatre for the Climate Emergency: 100 Plays to Save the World
‘He doggedly pursued his unique vision’: a tribute to Robert Holman
Over the course of a career spanning almost fifty years, Robert Holman garnered a reputation as an extraordinary playwright, who influenced many of today's most renowned dramatists. His plays, which have been staged at leading venues including the Royal Court, Chichester Festival Theatre, Bush Theatre, Royal Shakespeare Company, Traverse Theatre, Lyric Hammersmith, Donmar Warehouse and … Continue reading ‘He doggedly pursued his unique vision’: a tribute to Robert Holman
‘He was a bit of a wonder’ – a tribute to Antony Sher
Antony Sher, who sadly died this week, was one of the most respected actors of his generation. Most closely associated with the Royal Shakespeare Company – with whom he performed many of the most famous roles in the Shakespearean canon including Richard III, Macbeth, Lear, Prospero, Iago, Falstaff, Shylock, Malvolio and Leontes, as well as … Continue reading ‘He was a bit of a wonder’ – a tribute to Antony Sher
‘What a golden legacy he has left us’ – Nick Hern pays tribute to Stephen Sondheim
Over the course of a career spanning almost seventy years, the American composer and lyricist Stephen Sondheim unquestionably established himself as one of the most significant figures in 20th-century theatre. His works include some of the most beloved and renowned musicals of our time, which continue to be produced worldwide, and he has theatres named … Continue reading ‘What a golden legacy he has left us’ – Nick Hern pays tribute to Stephen Sondheim
‘Unique visions, supported by common architecture’: David Edgar on the structures and rules of playwriting
Renowned playwright David Edgar pioneered the teaching of playwriting in the UK, founding the Playwriting Studies course at Birmingham University in 1989. In this extract from the new, revised and updated edition of his seminal book How Plays Work, he investigates the fundamental geometry of plays, and why playwrights need to know the 'rules' that … Continue reading ‘Unique visions, supported by common architecture’: David Edgar on the structures and rules of playwriting
‘It gives you the freedom to choose’ – Penny O’Connor on the Alexander Technique
The Alexander Technique has revolutionised the physicality, presence and professional lives of generations of actors. By first asking you to identify your own acquired habits, the technique enables you to find new and beneficial ways of moving, thinking, breathing and performing, freely and without unnecessary tension. Here, Penny O'Connor – a teacher of the Technique … Continue reading ‘It gives you the freedom to choose’ – Penny O’Connor on the Alexander Technique
Great new American drama to celebrate
As part of our celebration of American drama this month, we're taking a look at five new titles from our US partners, Theatre Communications Group, all of which are now available direct from Nick Hern Books. They include a Pulitzer Prize-winning musical, a dark new comedy from the revered author of August: Osage County, a … Continue reading Great new American drama to celebrate
The Prompt Book 