The Royal Shakespeare Company (R.S.C.), known for its dedication to the works of William Shakespeare, has recently returned to the United States for the first time since the coronavirus pandemic. Unlike previous visits to New York, the company has partnered with the Chicago Shakespeare Theater, led by Edward Hall, who has deep connections to the R.S.C. through his father, Peter Hall, its founder.
Edward Hall expressed his lifelong passion for Shakespeare, influenced by his father's discussions about the playwright's enduring significance. Following his appointment in Chicago, Hall reached out to the new artistic directors of the R.S.C., Tamara Harvey and Daniel Evans, to explore collaboration. Their joint efforts aim to expand audiences for Shakespeare's works in North America.
The partnership has resulted in a production of “Pericles,” which has received positive reviews, including four stars from The Guardian during its run in Stratford-upon-Avon. Currently playing at Chicago's Navy Pier, the production has been described by The Chicago Tribune as “gorgeous” and “not-to-be-missed.” Audience reactions in Chicago have been notably more vocal than in the U.K., with laughter and expressions of approval and disapproval during performances.
Chicago Shakespeare Theater, a nonprofit organization, has raised funds to cover production costs, including the transportation and accommodation of the British cast. Approximately 16,000 audience members are expected to attend the show during its run in Chicago. Despite a decline in professional Shakespeare productions in the U.S. since the pandemic, there remains significant interest, particularly with upcoming productions on Broadway featuring Shakespeare's works.
As the R.S.C. looks to strengthen its relationship with American audiences, it emphasizes the importance of international collaboration. The company’s leaders are engaged in discussions with various theater companies in New York for future projects. One such project, “Hamlet Hail to the Thief,” blends Shakespeare's tragedy with themes from a Radiohead album and may have potential for future performances in the U.S.
The R.S.C. was founded in its current form in 1961 and previously enjoyed a strong presence on Broadway and Off Broadway. However, it has not transferred a production to Broadway since 1996. The pandemic has further complicated the landscape of Shakespearean theater in the U.S., but the R.S.C. remains hopeful about revitalizing its American presence through partnerships like that with Chicago Shakespeare Theater.
Experts in the field note the challenges of establishing long-term relationships for theater productions in the U.S. and highlight the significance of Chicago as a potential starting point for the R.S.C.'s renewed engagement with American audiences.