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The Actors’ Crucible: Port Talbot and the Making of Burton, Hopkins, Sheen and All the Others
£8.30£9.50 (-13%)
The town of Port Talbot has long been seen (quite literally) as synonymous with the steel industry. Yet it also has another claim to fame as the actorsx27 capital of Wales. It has produced a remarkable number of actors since the inter-war years. Richard Burton, Anthony Hopkins and Michael Sheen head the glittering cast but there are many others including early stars such as Ronald Lewis and Ivor Emmanuel, more recent figures like Rob Brydon and Di Botcher as well as a cluster of exciting young actorsstarting to make their names in the West End and on the big and small screen.This book suggests explanations for this phenomenon. Its author is a historical biographer who hails from Port Talbot and has done extensive research including numerous interviews. It explores the provision of educational and cultural facilities for young people over the years and demonstrates a commitment to drama that is deeply embedded in the townx27s history. It tells in some depth the stories of the super-stars but in a novel way, focusing on how they emerged and on those who nurtured their talent, presenting the actors as part of a tradition that was set in motion even before Richard Burton began to make his mark. It surveys the careers of fifty actors from Port Talbot and it considers what its most famous stars have put back into their community, culminating in the spectacular three-day event of Easter 2011 when Michael Sheen resurrected Port Talbotx27s pride and hopes through the immersive theatrical experience of The Passion.Written at a time of mixed fortunes for actors when funding for training is threatened yet opportunities for theatre and film work are expanding within Wales, this book puts centre-stage a town, its actors and those who guide them and so offers a new kind of cultural history. Such an approach also raises wider questions about the importance of the arts and of drama in particular to the wellbeing of communities.
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Additional information
| Publisher | Parthian Books, Reprint edition (1 Oct. 2016) |
|---|---|
| Language | English |
| Paperback | 300 pages |
| ISBN-10 | 9781910901687 |
| ISBN-13 | 978-1910901687 |
| Dimensions | 13.97 x 1.52 x 21.59 cm |
by Brian James
THE BOOK GIVES AN INSIGHT INTO THE BEGINNINGS AND CAREERS OF THREE OF OUR MOST WELL-KNOWN ACTORS – RICHARD BURTON, ANTHONY HOPKINS, AND MICHAEL SHEEN. IT IS JUST A MATTER OF COINCIDENCE THAT THESE THREE PERFORMERS CAME FROM PORT TALBOT, BUT I THINK THAT THE ARE IS
QUITE UNIQUE, IN THAT IT HAS MANY, MANY DIFFERENT DRAMA GROUPS OPERATING WITHIN THIS AREA.
IT IS WELL ILLUSTRATED WITH PHOTOGRAPHS OF THE EARLY YEARS IN THEIR CAREERS, AAND THE DIFFERENT ROLES THEY ECH PERSUED WHEN LEAVING THEIR HOME TOWN. A GOOD READ FOR ANY LOVER OF THE THEATRE.
by Gabes
This book really illuminated the theatrical history of the Port Talbot area and showed how it produced two international superstars – Richard Burton and Anthony Hopkins. The success of these two paved the way for future generations – like the extraordinarily talented Michael Sheen – and helped to make acting seem a viable profession in such ‘macho’ territory.
Well written and engrossing.
by mamgu
Really interesting read,bought one for my son too,he is thoroughly enjoying it
by Susan Prosser
Disappointed with the content of this book.
by Moggy347
I bought it because I am a huge fan of Welsh actor Michael Sheen. The book is about all the incredibly talented actors from the Port Talbot area of Wales . They must put something in the water ….Richard Burton , Anthony Hopkins and of course, the gorgeous Michael Sheen and many others. An informative and interesting Welsh acting read
by Andrew
Remarkable account of drama’s significance in Port Talbot and the people it created.
by oldtimer
I enjoyed this book, not only for its fascinating insight into three of my favourites actors, but also for all the background information about Port Talbot and the West Glam Youth Theatre.