RSC co-artistic directors Daniel Evans and Tamara Harvey share their vision for a surprising new season filled with accessible theater.
Stratford: RSC co-artistic directors Daniel Evans and Tamara Harvey recently chatted via Zoom. They were in the RSC’s Clapham rehearsal rooms. Daniel is busy rehearsing for Edward II, which he describes as a challenging but enjoyable process.
Tamara mentioned how nice it is to be away from the office. They reflected on their first season, highlighting the success of affordable ticket schemes. They sold 25,000 tickets for £25 or less and 80,000 TikTok tickets for £10. They want to keep making theater accessible for young audiences.
They were thrilled to see new audiences attending shows like The School for Scandal and Pericles. Tamara noted that audiences can be surprising, and they aim to cater to diverse tastes. They want to ensure their programming serves the community well.
Daniel and Tamara shared standout moments from their first season. Daniel mentioned the opening of Pericles in Chicago, which marked a significant return to North America. Tamara was moved by the warm reception of audiences in Chicago and the success of Kyoto in the West End.
As they plan their second season, they focus on collaborating with artists who inspire them. They’re excited about bringing the Public Theatre’s production of Fat Ham to the UK. They want to offer a variety of experiences and viewpoints through their programming.
Daniel emphasized the importance of surprise in their productions. He’s directing The BFG for Christmas, which he’s been developing for five years. He explained that the story revolves around dreams and teamwork, featuring a giant, an orphan, and a queen battling bullies.
Tamara discussed the outdoor theater, expressing their desire to bring it back. However, they face financial challenges and have decided to keep the garden theater in storage for now. They’re committed to making great shows despite these difficulties.
Finally, they addressed the political relevance of theater. Daniel believes theater should reflect current issues. They strive to engage with important topics, ensuring their work resonates with audiences and contributes to society.
