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The Stratford Adventure

This short film depicts how a small Canadian city, bearing the name of Stratford and by a river Avon, created its own renowned Shakespearean theatre. The film tells how the idea grew, how a famous British director, international stars and Canadian talent were recruited, and how the Stratford Shakespearean Festival finally became a triumphant reality.
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This short film depicts how a small Canadian city, bearing the name of Stratford and by a river Avon, created its own renowned Shakespearean theatre. The film tells how the idea grew, how a famous British director, international stars and Canadian talent were recruited, and how the Stratford Shakespearean Festival finally became a triumphant reality.

For more background information about this film, please visit the
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Theater All subjects
Arts History The Classics All channels
  • film editor
    Douglas Tunstell
  • sound recording
    Joseph Champagne
  • sound editing
    Kenneth Heeley-Ray
  • re-recording
    Clarke Daprato
  • narrator
    John Drainie
  • script
    Gudrun Parker
  • music
    Louis Applebaum
  • producer
    Guy Glover
  • director
    Morten Parker
  • photography
    Donald Wilder

Education

Ages 13 to 18

Notes

Compare and contrast the Stratford Theatre today and in the early fifties when the documentary was filmed. What significance does the theatre have in the town? Region? Province? Describe the challenges the Stratford Theatre had to overcome in order to establish itself. What documentary techniques are used in this film? What changes would you suggest to improve the documentary? What role do seasonal festivals such as the Stratford Festival play in popular culture? Research other seasonal festivals such as the Shaw Festival.

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The Stratford Adventure
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