“Barry Edelstein directed me as Othello at The Old Globe a few years ago, and it was an amazing experience: quite frankly, the highlight of my career. To take on one of Shakespeare’s greatest roles was daunting and overwhelming, to say the least. Barry understands how Shakespeare’s words work, and how his characters think. He makes Shakespeare accessible to the actors who embody the characters and to an audience. He explains things in terms that actors like, concrete terms that an actor can really use. This book captures his voice and his knowledge, and, like him, it’s clear and fun. I recommend it for any actor, or anyone who wants to know more about Shakespeare.”

Barry Edelstein is a stage director, producer, author, and educator noted for his work on the plays of William Shakespeare. Some of the actors he has directed include Gwyneth Paltrow, Uma Thurman, John Turturro, Jeffrey Wright, Kevin Kline, Blair Underwood, Richard Thomas, and Julianna Margulies. He has taught Shakespearean acting at the Juilliard School, NYU, USC, and The Public Theater. He serves as Erna Finci Viterbi Artistic Director of The Old Globe in San Diego.