The Quality of Mercy: Reflections on Shakespeare

About this book

In The Quality of Mercy one of the worlds most revered theatre directors reflects on a fascinating variety of Shakespearean topics. In this sequence of essays - all but one published here for the first time - Peter Brook debates such questions as who was the man who wrote Shakespeares plays why Shakespeare is never out of date and how actors should approach Shakespeares verse. He also revisits some of the plays which he has directed with notable brilliance including King Lear Titus Andronicus and A Midsummer Nights Dream. Taken as a whole this short but immensely wise book offers an illuminating and provocative insight into a great directors relationship with our greatest playwright. "An invaluable gift from the greatest Shakespeare director of our time... Brooks genius modesty and brilliance shine through on every page." - James Shapiro author of 1599: A Year in the Life of William Shakespeare