William Shakespeare

'Shakespeare's work is the fullest expression of the dilemmas that we as humans face...he's incapable of not seeing two sides of a situation so there's always drama and there's always conflict.'

Michael Boyd, RSC Artistic Director

'People are right when they talk about the judgement of art being tremendously subjective. Yet, I think with Shakespeare, as with other great artists and great art, there are things you can identify and aspire to - beauty, profundity and truth. You could add to that list communicability - accessibility - and certainly Shakespeare qualifies on that one too.

The Shakespearean Theatre is still the fullest, deepest and most inclusive kind of theatre we've invented yet. It's still a touchstone for contemporary theatre... for us to aspire to.

Shakespeare's work is the fullest expression of the issues that we as humans face. He always talks in dilemmas, it's what makes him tick. He's incapable of not seeing two sides of a situation so there's always drama and there's always conflict.'

Michael Boyd