DOUBLETS OF WOOL

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31231, 1 December 1966, Page 24

DOUBLETS OF WOOL

“Macbeth” In Norway

Two years ago. four young men—a Scot an Englishman, a New Zealander and a Nor-wegian-American—formed a theatre in Oslo. Today the English Theatre Company of Norway is a unique and wellestablished part of the country's theatrical scene. With a string of successful productions behind it the company is at present undertaking a three months’ tour of Norway and Denmark playing “Macbeth”—in specially made wool costumes typical of the period. In the official programme. Woolmark updates the wool story. On a recent visit to London, a New Zealander Barry Ferguson, the theatre's artistic director, said the Norwegian branch of the International Wool Secretariat helped him procure modern wool fabrics which gave authenticity to the period costumes. Men’s doublets are in heavy wool jersey cloth, coarsely woven, shirts from rough-spun wools, and other costumes are from heavy tweeds. Boots are in wool felt.

During its tour, the company is also playing in high schools throughout Norway to aid English language instruction. Shakespeare, of course, has an important place in the theatre throughout Scandinavia.

Recognition by the British Council has resulted in performances in Oslo by both Sir John Geilgud and Dame Peggy Ashcroft in support of the company's work.