Mickleham Village Hall
Doors open at 9.45am for a start at 10.15am
Shakespeare described actors in Hamlet, writing 'they are the abstract and brief chronicles of our time'. Actors tell stories that reflect the hopes and anxieties of our times from Oedipus Rex to Jerusalem. Often seen in the past as rogues and vagabonds, the road to respectability was a long and lively journey with some fascinating characters along the way. It was at the start of the 20th century that the actor was established as an 'honourable' profession with the knighthood of Sir Henry Irving; and the great generation of actors emerged including John Gielgud, Laurence Olivier, Peggy Ashcroft and Edith Evans.
Lecture 1: The actor as celebrity 1660-1900
From the 1660s actors, although still basically rogues, became part of society attracting aristocratic lovers!
Break for coffee
Lecture 2: Great actors of the 20th century and the new approaches to acting
Revolutionary approach to the 20th century theatre and the era of great actors.
Break for buffet sandwich lunch with wine or a soft drink.
Lecture 3: The Actor Speaks
Archive film depicting actors talking about their approach to their craft.
Biography
Malcolm Jones has lectured at the V&A since 2009 on theatre history and practice. He has worked with many British actors and directors. Throughout his career he has been closely associated with this aspect of the arts.
Questions finish approximately 3pm
Tickets £45.00
Watercolour of Actors in their Dressing Room by William McConnell 1860