Orson Welles on Shakespeare: The W.P.A. and Mercury Theatre Playscripts
Richard France has given us access to genius in making Orson Welles' Shakespeare texts available. Bravo!.–Stuart Vaughan, Former Artistic Director of the New York Shakespeare FestivalRichard France brilliantly illuminates the work of Orson Welles, providing the reader with a wealth of riches in his inspiring collection. Anyone who loves theatre and film, and who is fascinated by this great American genius, will love this book. France has give un easy access to the Welles' versions of his famous voodooMacbeth, as well as his fascistJulius Caesar, and finally, ofFive Kings, a reworking of Shakespeare's history plays. Wonderfully insightful, presented with eloquence and style, reading this book is like sitting down to a delicious meal. Thank you, Richard France, for this extraordinary piece of theatre history-it is to be cherished.–Stacy KeachA singularly important contribution to the growing body of material which holds that we should pay more attention to Shakespeare texts as performed and less to historical issues of textual authenticity. France's own experience as a playwright enables him to treat issues involving Welles and theatre with keener insight than most academic writing on the subject.–Robert L. Carringer, University of Illinois at UrbanaThe reputation of Orson Welles, tarnished by his own excesses, has been glowingly restored by Richard France's brilliant editing of theW.P.A. Mercury Theatre Playscripts. France skillfully reminds us why Welles dominates the history of the 20th Century as one of our greatest stage and film directors.–Gene Feist, Founding Director of the Roundabout Theatre Company...a mandatory volume for fans of either Welles or Shakespeare, which should encompass just about every culturally literate person alive..– Scott Eyman,West Palm Beach PostJanuary 20, 2002