The Tempest Book

Since 1953 the Stratford Festival has been presenting theatrical performances that are world renowned for their excellent artistic standards. More recently thousands of television viewers have also been able to experience the excitement of the theatre in their own homes as a result of the CBC television production of several of the Stratford plays. Now CBC Enterprises, the entrepreneurial arm of the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, makes these acclaimed theatrical events available to the reader in beautifully produced editions. The Stratford treatment of Shakespeare plays in this new series of books makes a distinguished contribution to drama literature. As well as the complete text, there is an introduction by the director of each plays in which he discusses his interpretation and staging of the production. The Stratford Festival Emendations indicate the changes that were made, enabling the reader and the play-goer to compare the original play with the Stratford staged version. In this volume director John Hirsch introduces "The Tempest" and offers insights into the origins and meanings of this enchanting fairy-tale romance. He describes his approach to the play and its transformation "from page to stage." Thirty-four illustrations, including sixteen in full-colour, illuminate the text. The distinctive costume sketches by Desmond Heeley enhance the appreciation of the Stratford production. Everyone who enjoys theatre -- especially those who have attended a Stratford performance or hope to do so -- will welcome the opportunity to start a home library of Festival Edition plays, beginning with "The Tempest", "Macbeth", "As You Like It", and "The Taming of the Shrew." Notes from back cover