{"product_id":"stage-managing-chaos","title":"Stage Managing Chaos","description":"\u003cp\u003e   In the early 1970s London''s National Theatre, led by Sir Laurence Olivier, launched an infamous avant garde production of \u003ci\u003eThe Architect and the Emperor of Assyria\u003c\/i\u003e. 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e   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?\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e   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.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"MediaPlace","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":57311802098046,"sku":"NW9781476666648","price":20.24,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0817\/1379\/1261\/files\/9781476666648.jpg?v=1778584745","url":"https:\/\/mediaplace.com\/products\/stage-managing-chaos","provider":"MediaPlace","version":"1.0","type":"link"}