Home / Arts and Entertainment / Theatre Visionary Frank Dunlop Dies at 98
Theatre Visionary Frank Dunlop Dies at 98
7 Jan
Summary
- Frank Dunlop died aged 98, leaving a significant mark on British theatre.
- He founded London's innovative Young Vic theatre in 1970.
- Dunlop transformed the Edinburgh Festival by prioritizing international theatre.
Renowned theatre director Frank Dunlop, who passed away at the age of 98, leaves behind a transformative legacy in British theatre. His most enduring achievement is the creation of London's Young Vic in 1970, a pioneering institution that offered accessible and dynamic productions to younger audiences. This venture, born from a former butcher's shop, quickly established its own vibrant identity.
Dunlop's influence extended to the Edinburgh Festival, where he served as director from 1984 to 1991. During his tenure, he significantly altered the festival's character by elevating international theatre, presenting acclaimed artists like Ingmar Bergman and Yukio Ninagawa. His programming choices brought groundbreaking productions, such as Ninagawa's "Macbeth," to British audiences.
Beyond these major contributions, Dunlop was also a skilled director himself, nurturing exceptional performances. His career, marked by restless innovation and energy, saw him involved in diverse projects from "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat" to directing productions at the National Theatre. Dunlop's indelible impact ensures his permanent place in theatrical history.
