Michael Billington

Having surveyed post-war British drama in State of the Nation, Michael Billington now looks at the global picture. In his provocative and challenging new book Michael offers his selection of the 101 greatest plays from the time of the Greeks to the present-day. But his book is no mere list. Billington justifies his choices in extended essays - and even occasional dialogues – putting the plays into context, explaining their significance and tracing their performance history. In the end, it’s a book that poses an infinite number of questions. What makes a great play? Does the definition change with time and circumstance, or are certain common factors visible down the ages?

In revising the accepted canon, this new book is bound to stimulate passionate argument and debate. Join Michael as he discusses his highly personal choices in this inspiring event at Richmond’s Orange Tree Theatre.

The event will be chaired by Paul Miller, Artistic Director of the Orange Tree Theatre.