John Barton (director)
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John Barton, (26 November 1928- ), is a noted English stage director whose career has been almost entirely with the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC).
Born in London, the son of a senior civil servant, Barton went to Eton and Cambridge. He remained at King's as Fellow and lay dean where he became an all-round theatre man. In 1960, when he was asked by Peter Hall to join him in running the newly formed Royal Shakespeare Company in Stratford-upon-Avon. Hall wanted his friend's expertise as an expert textual scholar as well as a man of the theatre. Barton's first assignment was to direct Peggy Ashcroft and Peter O'Toole in The Taming of the Shrew. Used to directing undergraduates, Barton lacked the tact for directing more experienced players and a rebellion, led by O'Toole, ensued. Hall was forced to take over the production.
For the next four years, Barton's work consisted of teaching, adaptations and co-direction. His influence was felt, however, in his adaptation of the three Henry VI plays as The Wars of the Roses ((1963)) and his work on the history cycle of 1964. His anthology, The Hollow Crown, became a RSC favourite.
