Lean Years (1981-1985), The

Synopsis: A thirteen-part television series, presented by Richard Ouzounian, on the history of the Stratford (Ontario) Shakespeare Festival. Episode 7. After the public controversy surrounding the Festival, John Hirsch returned to a period of media dissastifaction and financial problems. Footage includes excerpts from AS YOU LIKE IT (tx March 18 1884), THE TEMPEST (tx 20 February 1983) and THE TAMING OF THE SHREW (20 February 1983). Hirsch’s personal and professional style is compared with that of Robin Phillips. Colm Feore talks about Hirsch directing him in The Taming of the Shrew and Len Cariou relates his feelings regarding Hirsch’s interpretation of The Tempest. Eric McCormack talks about his audition, his apprenticeship at Stratford and his role in ‘full drag’ in a modern version of Measure for Measure directed by Hirsch.
Series: Stratford Gold
Language: English
Country: Canada
Medium: Television
Technical information: Colour / Sound
Transmission details: 23 Jul 2002 at 19:30 (Channel: Arts & Entertainment Channel)
Duration: 30 mins

Production type: Documentary/Educational/News
Subjects: Drama
Keywords: Shakespeare, William (1564-1616); Stratford (Ontario) Shakespeare Festival; Hirsch, John

Notes: The CBC archives permit scholars access to the collection on a case by case basis.
General: The Stratford Festival of Canada is a summer-long celebration of theatre held each year in Stratford, Ontario. Beginning November 2007, its name changed to The Stratford Shakespeare Festival.

British Universities Film & Video Council