Royal Shakespeare Company

Not sure about Stratford-Upon-Avon, but at the Shakespeare playhouse in London last year, we were disappointed to find that all the plays done during our 4 day stay were of the "modern interpretation" variety. I guess some would like that, but seems like they might get a broader audience if they would have a traditional interpretation on a more regular basis. I only point this out so you are sure you are paying for what you prefer to see.

RSC and Globe are not the only Shakespeare in London. You might follow one of the theater websites like this one https://www.timeout.com/london/theatre/shakespeare-plays-in-london. For example Kenneth Branagh is King Lear at Charing Cross this fall.

If you really want to see something at the RSC in Stratford-Upon-Avon, I would suggest signing up for their mailing list, as they will announce new productions there. https://www.rsc.org.uk/signup/

It's too bad you're not there in March as they are performing A Midsummer's Night Dream, one of my favorite pieces.

Not sure about Stratford-Upon-Avon, but at the Shakespeare playhouse in London last year, we were disappointed to find that all the plays done during our 4 day stay were of the "modern interpretation" variety. I guess some would like that, but seems like they might get a broader audience if they would have a traditional interpretation on a more regular basis.

I doubt it. I worked in theatre for many years, and most of our traditional productions of Shakespeare or other older pieces had some twist or a different interpretation, and audiences loved the variations. Sometimes the difference was only a change in the period. For example, we did a production of A Midsummer's Night Dream but placed it in the 1920's instead of Shakespeare's era. You also have to keep in mind that if theatres don't change something up occasionally, it gets staid and boring; both for the audience and the production team and actors.

Indeed. You would hope the RSC are trying to do something new and imaginative with every production of a Shakespeare play they stage.

Musing on the subject a little, maybe others can comment on how the RSC handle their productions? Does it vary from director to director? My expectation is that they would be most true to the work, no matter the staging and interpretation. I'd expect to hear every word of the play, even if it was set in 2060. Same goes for how a great orchestra handle a classical score.

Gerry, I agree. The director does drive the production, but keep in mind that the director is usually hired because of that direction she or he may take. For example, in most theatres, the artistic director chooses the season in collaboration with a committee but much of that is based on the actual theatre. Is it an avante theatre? Or more mainstream?

After the pieces are chosen, the the directors for each piece (and usually the artistic director will be directing at least one if not more of the pieces) is invited to direct. There are a lot of things that go on with the process so it's really not black and white, but it is a process that hopefully culminates in a great season, with a lot of variety and appeal.

And yes, the director has a lot of latitude over the script. Language may be cut or modified, but again it all depends. Sometimes a piece is not allowed to be modified, depending on the rights. Obviously Shakespeare's work is in the public domain, but Jerome Robbins' iconic choreography for the musical "Fiddler on the Roof" may not be modified by any theatre company, as it is considered to be an integral part of the production.

And that's probably way more info than you wanted to know. :-)

Thank you both Volva and Mardee for the insight. That was very interesting. My expectations have been duly managed :-)

King Lear with Kenneth Branagh certainly looks like a bit of a blockbuster, but I think I'd prefer the artistic direction of the RSC somehow.