Richard Eyre: Weapons of Understanding

‘The arts are weapons of understanding and weapons of happiness.’
– Richard Eyre

Richard Eyre brought to film and television a deep understanding of performance, and the framing and pacing of each scene, which he had crafted over years in the theatre. A producer and director of the BBC Play for Today strand from 1978 to 1981, he then took on the challenging position of Artistic Director of the National Theatre from 1982 to 1992 – a hugely successful period for the institution. At the same time that he returned to the BBC, he also began a successful film career. In this season, we present a programme that demonstrates and celebrates his wide range and versatility, from translating theatre classics to the small screen and embracing hard-hitting social realism, to exploring the complexity of real lives and probing the psychology of the most troubled individuals. Together, these works highlight a unique presence on our cultural landscape.

Marcus Prince, season curator

With thanks to

BBC Television, Channel 4, Judy Daish and Lionsgate