In search of the 'real Shakespeare' : Sándor Hevesi's Taming of the Shrew in 1923, Budapest

This study introduces Sándor Hevesi (1873–1939), a Hungarian translator, theatre critic, Shakespeare scholar and opera director, who played crucial role in the Budapest scene 1920s. His work has received less attention than it deserves, particularly so-called Shakespearecycles, i.e., Hevesi's serialised productions, are still neglected. The cycles/series were performed between 1922 1933, while was artistic managing director of National Theatre. These productions resuscitated then fading cult profoundly changed reception performance Shakespeare. intention to present both authentic popular therefore, he sought key 'the real Shakespeare'. intends explore what (could have) meant by this expression, focuses on an unknown manuscript, own, handwritten director's copy Taming Shrew (1923). Through case his staging Shrew, paper reveals particular methods close reading, translation, stage direction. It concludes that concept 'real Shakespeare' fact complex, experimental journey, transcending boundaries direction, dramaturgy, scenography day.