THE WOOD DEMON (BAM)

Written by Anton Chekov, translated by Ronald Hingley

Directed by David Giles

29 January 1974 -
17 February 1974

Brooklyn Academy of Music
New York

Ian McKellen in the role of
Kruschov (The Wood Demon)

in repertory with WAY OF THE WORLD, KNOTS, and KING LEAR

From a 1974 program:

The Actors’ Company made its first appearances at the Edinburgh Festival in 1972. Formed by a group of actors who wished to be totally involved in the artistic management of a theatrical organisation, the Company makes its own policy on the basis of Company meetings and majority decisions. It is a theatrical democracy. The result has been to break down the barriers between “leading” and “supporting” actors; in the Actors’ Company all actors play small parts from time to time and all the roles are cast from experienced actors. There has been general acclaim for the quality of the productions which have resulted.

After the 1972 Festival, the Actors’ Company toured nationally before giving a six-week season in Cambridge. The group then disbanded to allow members to accept other engagements, but continued to meet to plan their next season. In 1973, in spite of all the pressures on Company members to accept more lucrative or prestigious offers, the majority of that same Company assembled for a further season.

The possibility of a group of actors working together for years rather than weeks is now open. Ensemble theatre of this kind is taken for granted on the continent but represents a new and exciting venture in this country: the consequences are unpredictable. Already the Company is anxious to explore new ways of working together and will this year be presenting studio productions of two new plays.