humanities.lit.authors.shakespeare

(quote)

Mon 18 Feb 2008
Great Shakespearean Actor-Managers

Posted by Robert J Williamson under SHAKESPEARE FACTS


Before the advent of large organisations like the RSC it was
individuals that carried the torch for their generation enduring
hardships to bring Shakespeare to wider attention. They were referred
to as actor-managers as they owned or part owned the companies or
theatres they performed with. The first of which one could consider to
be William Shakespeare himself an actor, playwright and theatre owner.
Richard Burbage the actor to first perform many of Shakespeare's great
roles was himself and actor-manager. Here are a few of the great names
that dedicated their life and talent to this pursuit. Please click
there names for a link to a biography. We salute them and strive to
carry on this great tradition.

Richard Burbage 1568-1619

David Garrick 1717-1779

Edmund Kean 1787-1833

Chevalier Ira Aldridge, Knight of Saxony 1807-1867

Sir Henry Irving 1838-1905

William Poel 1852-1934

Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree 1853-1917

Sir Donald Wolfit 1902-1968

Sir Laurence Olivier 1907-1989

One Response to "Great Shakespearean Actor-Managers"

1. Thomas Cooper Says:
February 18th, 2008 at 2:41 pm

Thank you for this list. I loved reading about each of these
characters. It is good to know companies such as yours are continuing
with this work and providing an alternative to the RSC. Although I
think they are excellent too your shows are every bit as good in every
way and often better.

http://www.britishshakespearecompany.com/diary/?p=220