In the Beginning (1953)

Synopsis: A thirteen-part television series, presented by Richard Ouzounian, on the history of the Stratford (Ontario) Shakespeare Festival. The first episode chronicles Stratford’s first season and the triumphant opening under its director Tyrone Guthrie. Ouzounian talks to Stratford founder Tom Patterson who had a vision of starting a festival as a means to boost the town’s economy. Actors discuss the founding company, working with Guthrie, and their impressions of Alec Guinness. Film clips of Stratford in the 1950s, the tent being erected, a performance from Richard II, Tyrone Guthrie leaving his home in Ireland and meeting Stratford residents, an interview with Guthrie, an interview with Alec Guinness and Guinness giving Timothy Findley acting advice.
Series: Stratford Gold
Language: English
Country: Canada
Medium: Television
Technical information: Colour / Sound
Transmission details: 4 Jun 2002 at 19:00 (Channel: Arts & Entertainment Channel)
Duration: 60 mins

Producer: Richard Ouzounian
Writer: Tracy Donaldson
Contributor: Alec Guinness; Don Harron; Irene Worth; Lloyd Bochner; Richard Ouzounian; Tanya Moiseiwitsch; Timothy Findley; Tom Patterson; Tyrone Guthrie; William Hutt; William Needles

Production type: Documentary/Educational/News
Subjects: Drama
Keywords: Shakespeare, William (1564-1616); Stratford (Ontario) Shakespeare Festival

Notes: The CBC archives permit scholars access to the collection on a case by case basis.
General: The Stratford Festival of Canada is a summer-long celebration of theatre held each year in Stratford, Ontario. Beginning November 2007, its name changed to The Stratford Shakespeare Festival.

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