Member-only story

Adapted for the Stage: Faber Drama's Enduring Legacy in British Theatre

Patrick Hayes

·16.6k Followers· Follow

Published in The Odyssey: Missing Presumed Dead: Adapted For The Stage (Faber Drama)

4 min read · 2 weeks before

278 View Claps

51 Respond

Save

Listen

The Odyssey: Missing Presumed Dead: Adapted for the Stage (Faber Drama)

by Douglas M. Parker

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	337 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	144 pages
Screen Reader	:	Supported

Origins and Early Contributions

Founded in 1929 by T.S. Eliot, Faber & Faber quickly established itself as a leading publisher of literary fiction and poetry. However, it was not until 1953 that the company launched its drama imprint, Faber Drama, under the leadership of editor John Calder.

Calder's vision for Faber Drama was to create a platform for both established and emerging playwrights, and to bring classic works of literature to the stage. One of the earliest successes of the imprint was the publication of Samuel Beckett's absurdist masterpiece, Waiting for Godot, in 1954.

Faber Drama continued to publish groundbreaking works throughout the 1960s and 1970s, including plays by Harold Pinter, Edward Bond, and Caryl Churchill. These playwrights challenged traditional theatrical conventions and pushed the boundaries of what was considered acceptable on stage.

Contemporary Legacy and Impact

In recent decades, Faber Drama has continued to be a major force in British theatre. The imprint has published works by some of the most celebrated contemporary playwrights, including Jez Butterworth, Lucy Kirkwood, and Simon Stephens.

Faber Drama productions have won numerous awards, including Olivier Awards, Tony Awards, and Pulitzer Prizes. The imprint's plays have been performed by leading theatre companies around the world, and have helped to shape the global theatrical landscape.

Adapting Classic Literature

One of the hallmarks of Faber Drama has been its commitment to adapting classic works of literature for the stage. The imprint has published stage adaptations of novels by Jane Austen, Charles Dickens, and Virginia Woolf, among others.

Faber Drama's adaptations are known for their faithfulness to the source material, while also retaining a theatrical vitality and immediacy. The imprint's adaptations have helped to introduce classic literary works to new audiences and have breathed new life into beloved stories.

Showcasing New Voices

In addition to publishing established playwrights, Faber Drama has also been instrumental in showcasing new voices in British theatre. The imprint's annual Verity Bargate Award is awarded to an emerging playwright who has not yet had a full-length play produced.

Past winners of the Verity Bargate Award include Simon Stephens, Lucy Kirkwood, and Nina Raine. These playwrights have gone on to become some of the most acclaimed voices in contemporary British theatre.

Looking to the Future

Faber Drama continues to be a vibrant and essential part of the British theatre landscape. The imprint's commitment to publishing groundbreaking and thought-provoking plays ensures that its legacy will endure for generations to come.

As theatre evolves and adapts to the challenges of the 21st century, Faber Drama will undoubtedly play a key role in shaping its future. The imprint's unwavering support for playwrights and its commitment to excellence ensure that it will continue to be a vital force in British theatre for many years to come.

The Odyssey: Missing Presumed Dead: Adapted for the Stage (Faber Drama)

by Douglas M. Parker

4.6 out of 5