Stage Managing Chaos

<p> In the early 1970s London's National Theatre led by Sir Laurence Olivier launched an infamous avant garde production of <I>The Architect and the Emperor of Assyria</I>. Concerned that his classical approach would clash with the enfant terrible director Victor Garcia Olivier enlisted stage manager Jackie Harvey to keep a diary of the often ludicrous occasionally creative always challenging rehearsals.</p><p> Anthony Hopkins and Jim Dale costarred in the surreal two-man piece. Led by the eccentric Garcia the play quickly descended into a chaotic farce. Missed deadlines technical hitches unauthorized nudity and backstage feuds culminated in an unforgettable production leaving the company debating: Was he a misunderstood genius or a brilliant con-artist?</p><p> Accompanied by recollections from Hopkins Dale and others along with photographs and documents that bring the key players to life this unique diary provides a snapshot of a crucial period in the history of the National Theatre.</p>