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Travor NunnOne of the greatest directors of contemporary British theatre
Date of Birth: 14.01.1940
Country:  Great Britain |
Content:
- Early Life and Education
- Aspiring Actor and Theater Debut
- Cambridge and the Royal Shakespeare Company
- Artistic Director of the Royal Shakespeare Company
- Musical Theater Success
- Other Ventures
- Artistic Director of the Royal National Theatre
- Awards and Recognition
- Personal Life
Early Life and Education
Trevor Robert Nunn was born on January 14, 1940, in Ipswich, England. His humble upbringing revolved around his father's postwar furniture-making business, which struggled to provide adequate sustenance. Despite these circumstances, Nunn's exceptional performance on national exams at age 11 earned him a scholarship to the prestigious Northgate School. This privileged education paved the way for his admission to Cambridge University with a free place.
Aspiring Actor and Theater Debut
Nunn's fascination with the stage began at age five, when he declared his ambition to become an actor. Initially dismissed with amusement, his unwavering determination eventually led him to secure a role in a professional theater in Ipswich at age 13. His passion for Shakespeare's monologues culminated in the formation of his own youth theater company and his first directorial venture, a production of "Hamlet" at age 17.
Cambridge and the Royal Shakespeare Company
Cambridge provided the perfect environment for Nunn's burgeoning talent. He joined both the Marlowe Society, which staged classical productions, and the Footlights Revue, known for its musical theater. Nunn's involvement in theater extended to both acting and directing. After graduating, he sent inquiries to various theaters and landed an assistant director position at a theater in Coventry.
Artistic Director of the Royal Shakespeare Company
Nunn's proximity to Shakespeare's birthplace, Stratford-upon-Avon, proved fortuitous. The newly formed Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) invited him to join as second director two years later. At the remarkable age of 27, he became its artistic director.
Under Nunn's guidance over 18 years (1968-1986), the RSC earned its reputation as the world's leading theater company. He assembled a stellar team of actors, directors, choreographers, designers, and other professionals, and staged a vast repertoire of Shakespearean plays, including "King Lear," "Much Ado About Nothing," "Antony and Cleopatra," and "Romeo and Juliet."
Musical Theater Success
Nunn harbored a strong interest in musical theater and created a musical adaptation of "The Comedy of Errors" for the RSC, writing its lyrics. His full-fledged debut in musical theater occurred in 1981 with Andrew Lloyd Webber's "Cats," based on T.S. Eliot's poetry. Nunn's collaboration with his long-time RSC team, including choreographer Gillian Lynne, designer John Napier, and lighting designer David Hersey, transformed "Cats" into a visually stunning and enduring success.
Other Ventures
Nunn's departure from the RSC in 1986 marked his full-time transition to commercial projects. He directed Bernard Shaw's "Heartbreak House," Tim Rice's "Chess," Lloyd Webber's "Aspects of Love" and "Sunset Boulevard," as well as productions at the Royal Opera, including "Porgy and Bess" and "Káťa Kabanová."
Artistic Director of the Royal National Theatre
In 1997, Nunn became artistic director of the Royal National Theatre (RNT). His productions at the RNT included "Arcadia" by Tom Stoppard, "Oklahoma!" by Rodgers and Hammerstein, "Suddenly, Last Summer" by Tennessee Williams, "The Merchant of Venice," and "The Cherry Orchard."
Awards and Recognition
Nunn has received numerous Tony Awards, including those for "Cats," "Nicholas Nickleby," and "Les Misérables," as well as Laurence Olivier Awards. In 1999, he was named Best Director by the Critics' Circle.
Personal Life
Nunn is currently in his third marriage, all to actresses. His first wife, Janet Suzman, bore him a son. He met his second wife, Sharon Lee Hall, during the production of "Cats." His third wife, Imogen Stubbs, like his first wife, favors Shakespearean roles, and has given birth to two of his children.
