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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film editorDouglas Tunstell
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sound recordingJoseph Champagne
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sound editingKenneth Heeley-Ray
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re-recordingClarke Daprato
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narratorJohn Drainie
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scriptGudrun Parker
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musicLouis Applebaum
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producerGuy Glover
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directorMorten Parker
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photographyDonald Wilder
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.
