CONNECTION TO THE ARCHIVES
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Alec Guinness as Richard III in Richard III, 1953. Directed by Tyrone Guthrie. Designed by Tanya Moiseiwitsch. Photograph by Peter Smith. Stratford Festival Archives, GPO.1953.002.0261
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Maggie Smith as Queen Elizabeth and Bob Baker as Dorset in Richard III, 1977. Directed by Robin Phillips. Designed by Daphne Dare. Photograph by Zoe Dominic. Stratford Festival Archives, GPO.1977.009.2046
In this video, the Stratford Festival Archives Staff explores the history of Richard III at the Stratford Festival, shares findings from the play's composite script, and discusses Richard III as both an historical person and a character in Shakespeare's play. When you come to the show, you can also explore a reproduction of the coronation robes worn by the character of Richard in our 1953 production. This costume is on display in the lobby of the Tom Patterson Theatre.
How might exploring artifacts from past productions of Richard III help you get ready to see this season's production?
There are many reasons why a director would look at an archival composite script for a play. Why might a student or teacher find it useful to consult one?
The Stratford Festival's Archives maintains, conserves and protects records about the Festival and makes those materials available to people around the world. Their collection contains material ranging from 1952 right up to the present and includes administrative documents, production records, photographs, design artwork, scores, audio-visual recordings, promotional materials, costumes, props, set decorations and much more. These materials are collected and preserved with the aim of documenting the history of the Festival, preserving the page-to-stage process, and capturing the creative processes involved in numerous other activities that contribute to the Festival each season.
In addition to visiting the Archives in person, you can explore a selection of their holdings via their online catalogue.