Shakespeare’s Theatre Through Max Waldman’s Photos

The best productions of William Shakespeare’s plays were arguably done during the swinging 1960s.  And the only person who was able to capture their essence in photographs was Max Waldman.  His stunning black and white picture enhanced the drama of A Midsummer Night’s Dream, King Lear and Merchant of Venice – all of which were being radically altered by directors like Peter Brook for modern audiences.  Morris Carnovsky, one of the most famous stage actors of the time, was a favorite subject of Waldman’s since he was able to evoke a full character’s life simply by standing still.

 

Morris Carnovsky as King Lear.  Director: Allen Fletcher.  Costumes: Will Steven Armstrong.

Morris Carnovsky as King Lear.  Director: Allen Fletcher.  Costumes: Will Steven Armstrong.

Morris Carnovsky in The Merchant of Venice.  Director: Michael Kahn.  Costumes: Jose Varona.

A Midsummer Night’s Dream.  Director: Cyril Ritchard.  Costumes: Robert Fletcher.

 

Photos from Waldman on Theatre (out of print).

More on Max Waldman.

Re-posted with permission from .

What are you looking for?