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The Shakespeare Conference: SHK 18.0222  Friday, 30 March 2007

From: 		Hardy M. Cook <
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Date: 		Friday, March 30, 2007
Subject: 	Royal Shakespeare Theatre Closing for Refurbishment

Below are details of the upcoming closing of the Royal Shakespeare 
Theatre, the archetype of early 20th century proscenium stages. Arriving 
at this point has been contentious, and I am sure many hold strong 
feelings; however, the bottom-line is that the existing space was no 
longer adequate and something had to be done. As for other points 
addressed in the release, I am not sure I understand what is meant by 
"The Other Place (TOP): will act as a foyer for the Courtyard Theatre 
and reopen as a small studio when all works are complete," and would 
welcome clarification. My experiences last summer at the Courtyard were 
enjoyable ones; I found it a fascinating space, full of interesting 
possibilities for performance, even vertical ones. I imagine there will 
no longer be a need for another 1,000 seat space when the Royal 
Shakespeare Theatre is refurbished, but I will fondly remember seeing 
the three Henry VI plays there.

--Hardy

 From BBC NEWS: 
http://news.bbc.co.uk:80/2/hi/uk_news/england/coventry_warwickshire/6509381.stm

The Royal Shakespeare Theatre will hold its last performance this 
weekend before closing for a multi-million pound refurbishment.

The