Masters of the Stage

In 2002, Lincoln Center dramaturg Anne Cattaneo moderated a One-on-One discussion with prolific British theatre, film, television and opera director Richard Eyre. He talks about directing The Crucible in the 1970's and in 2002, and how he sees the story as a fable rather than as a metaphor for the McCarthy Era as a result of growing up outside the country. He tells his audience about the importance of casting good actors, and his rejection of the idea of "concept" directing. They discuss running the National Theatre, dealing with input from producers, audience and critics and the difference between life as a freelance and artistic director. Other topics include theatre vs. film directing, Peter Brook's production of King Lear and how Eyre's knowledge of chemistry has informed his theatre. This eighty-minute interview is full of inspiring advice that aspiring directors will be quoting for years to come.