3 Review(s)

Jonathan Miller is one of the most important and prolific directors of theatre and opera today. Written with Miller's full cooperation and with access to rehearsals, this is the first book to explore his work in depth. Michael Romain examines this significant theatrical career through a series of interviews with Miller and his collaborators. It is rare that a director is willing or able to discuss his craft and rarer still to find colleagues who can recount their impressions of rehearsals and productions. However, in a series of conversations with actors, conductors, designers, singers, directors, and writers, a fascinating portrait of Miller emerges which will be of interest to theatre and opera enthusiasts as well as to students and scholars of the performing arts. The book is divided into three sections, beginning with an introduction which sets Miller's work in the context of contemporary European theatre. Part Two is an interview with Miller, covering such topics as his career, working methods, points of inspiration and views of current theatre and opera. Part Three is a collection of conversations with over forty artists including Zubin Mehta, Max von Sydow, Rosalind Plowright, Terry Hands, and John Cleese. The volume also contains a complete chronology of Miller's work in theatre, opera, television and film, including information on forthcoming productions, as well as numerous photographs from productions.