The Beard - Old Red Lion Theatre
Preview by Lizzie Guilfoyle
A NEW production of Michael McClure’s legendary play The Beard will run from July 25 to August 12, 2006, at Islington’s Old Red Lion Theatre.
The Beard, arguably the most controversial play of the 1960s and a landmark in the history of stage censorship, imagines a meeting between two American legends – the sultry, platinum blonde actress Jean Harlow; and baby-faced, quick-tempered outlaw Billy the Kid.
A battle of the sexes ensues, culminating in a final scene that shocked 1960’s audiences.
In fact, in 1965, when The Beard premiered at the Actors’ Workshop in San Francisco, the actors involved were arrested. While in Los Angeles, a similar fate awaited them on 14 consecutive nights.
However, in a landmark victory, The Beard won an obscenity case against it in the US Superior Court.
It was last seen in London – at the Royal Court – in 1968.
American poet and playwright, McClure was a founding member of the Beat Generation.
Casting has not yet been announced for the new production.