Shakespeare Theatre Company: The History of a Classical Theatre

A New Book by Alexis Greene

In Honor of STC’s 40th Anniversary Season

Shakespeare Theatre Company: The History of a Classical Theatre tells the engaging story of how this nonprofit theatre in Washington, D.C., became one of America’s foremost theatres.

Over 350 pages long and illustrated with hundreds of dramatic full-color photographs, Alexis Greene‘s history takes us from the early performances of Shakespeare in America through STC’s founding at the Folger to its current life as a theatre that embraces Shakespeare, other classical playwrights, and contemporary dramatists whose plays may be destined to become classics.

This unique history was envisioned and initiated by longtime supporter of the theatre Lawrence Hough to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the company.

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Praise for the Book

“A treasure trove of theatre history! This vivid chronicle is rich with backstage stories, archival gems, and passionate voices; it celebrates an enduring legacy. With clarity and affection, it honors a theatre, its players, and leaders that together have shaped American Shakespeare with brilliance, boldness, and an unrelenting love of language.”
–Edward Gero, actor, director, professor of theatre (retired)

“A comprehensive and enthralling history…Shakespeare Theatre Company has become an artistic staple of the city, gaining accolades and national recognition. This book follows the trials and tribulations, and the recognition and successes, of the full Folger journey and beyond. Diligently researched and accurately portrayed, it brings to life a history that becomes not only informative but also intriguing.”
–John Neville-Andrews, former artistic producer, Folger Theatre, Washington, D.C.

“A monumental achievement. Greene is a scholar, but also a brilliant storyteller. She recounts, in fascinating detail, the growth of a company that originated in a small theatre at the Folger and grew, under the extraordinary guidance of Michael Kahn, to be one of the foremost Shakespeare companies in America. Greene’s lively prose makes it a page turner for theatre artists and theatregoers alike, and certainly for any student of theatre history.”
–Elizabeth Swain, theatre director, and professor emerita, Marymount Manhattan College

About the Author

Alexis Greene is the author and editor of numerous books about theatre, including The Lion King: Pride Rock on Broadway, written with Julie Taymor, and most recently, the biography Emily Mann: Rebel Artist of the American Theater. In addition to writing books about theatre, Greene’s career spans acting, theatre criticism, and teaching (she holds a PhD from the Graduate Center of the City University of New York). Born and raised in New York City, Greene lives part-time in Gotham and part-time upstate in Walton, New York, with her husband, Gordon R. Hough.