RSC Artistic Director Gregory Doran has been awarded the Hay Festival Medal for Drama.
Mr Doran, who appeared at the world-famous literary festival to discuss Shakespeare’s legacy in this 400th anniversary year, was presented with his medal on stage by festival director Peter Florence.
The award celebrates a life dedicated to the Bard’s work.
Mr Doran began his career with the RSC treading the boards as an actor in 1987, before taking to the director’s chair when he became an assistant director two years later.
He was made an associate director in 1996, became chief associate director in 2006, and took over as artistic director from Michael Boyd in 2012.
Described by the Sunday Times as “one of the great Shakespearians of his generation”, he has directed nearly three quarters of the Bard’s canon.
Earlier this year his productions of Henry IV Parts I & II, and Henry V undertook the RSC’s first major tour to China, culminating in a month-long residency at Brooklyn Academy of Music in New York.
Mr Florence, said: “This 400th anniversary year allows us a moment not just to celebrate the work of Shakespeare himself, but also the individuals who have dedicated their life’s work to sharing his greatness.
“As a close partner to the RSC it has been a privilege to witness Gregory Doran’s work on stage and off in bringing Shakespeare to audiences globally and we’re thrilled to honour him at Hay.”
Created by Christopher Hamilton, a silversmith local to the festival site in Hay-on-Wye, the Hay Medals have been awarded annually since Britain’s Olympic year in 2012, drawing inspiration from the original Olympic medal given for poetry.
