Since 1953 the Stratford Festival has been presenting theatrical performances that are world renowned for their excellent artistic standards. More recently thousands of television viewers have also been able to experience the excitement of the theatre in their own homes as a result of the CBC television production of several of the Stratford plays. Now CBC Enterprises/Les Enterprises Radio-Canada, the entrepreneurial arm of the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, makes these acclaimed theatrical events available to the reader in beautifully produced editions.

The Stratford treatment of Shakespeare plays in this new series of books makes a distinguished contribution to drama literature. As well as the complete Shakespeare text, there is an introduction by the director of each play in which he discusses his interpretation and staging of the production. The Stratford Festival Emendations indicate the changes that were made, enabling the reader and the playgoer to compare the original play with the Stratford staged version.

In his Introduction to Romeo and Juliet, Peter Dews describes the ways in which the problems of staging this play in the Festival Theatre in Stratford are solved. These solutions, involving everyone from the director and the designer to the members of the cast, make this 1984 production a challenging and exciting undertaking for the entire company, and moving theater experience for the audience.

Full-colour and black-and-white photographs illustrate the action of the play and five of David Walker's elegant costume designs in colour capture its romantic spirit and mood.

Everyone who enjoys theatre--especially those who have attended a Stratford performance or who hope to do so--will welcome the opportunity to start a home library of Festival Edition plays.
--back cover