A series of 13 programmes which tell the story of the theatre from its earliest beginnings to the present day.
Written and presented by Ronald Harwood 1: Makers of Magic
This prologue to the series asks the most baffling questions of all - how did the theatre begin and why do we need it? In attempting to answer those questions we join the rapt audience at an ancient religious ritual-the Barong Dance of Bali - and go behind the scenes at the opening night of a British play on Broadway.
These two dramatic events - a relic of drama's origins and one of the most commercial manifestations of theatre In the modern world - are thousands of years apart, but they are mysteriously connected by the magic that can take place when an audience and Performers come together. Today's actors, playwrights, directors, technicians and critics talk revealingly about their art.
Those taking part include:
Tom Courtenay , Paul Rogers John Gielgud , Eli Wallach Colleen Dewhurst
Frankie Howerd , Peter Brook Michael Frayn and Michael Billington
Film editor ANDREW PAGE
Executive producer RICHARD CAWSTON Produced by HARRY HASTINGS 0 FEATURE: page 82
* Subtitles on Ceefax page 270