https://shakespeare.edel.univ-poitiers.fr:443/shakespeare/index.php?id=2196 Index de Audience reception fr 0 https://shakespeare.edel.univ-poitiers.fr:443/shakespeare/index.php?id=838 The début performance of Edmund Kean as Shylock at Drury Lane on January 26th 1814 became a myth overnight, and was soon followed by Richard III. The twenty‑four year old actor who was currently working in Exeter had a scanty advertisement for his first night in London as Drury Lane which was on the verge of bankruptcy had had a few unsuccessful attempts at launching productions which could match the fame of Covent Garden under the management of John Philip Kemble. Only a limited audience was given a chance to attend the performance, however, among the few Charles Hazlitt appreciated the style of the newcomer so much that he wrote two very favourable reviews, going as far as naming Kean the new Garrick of his age in the second one. And thus, prompted by such a good report theatre goers flocked to Drury Lane to see the new star of the stage. However, because the first night which had been the very launching of his career had received so little attention in the first place, it received the status of a mythical performance and the happy few members of the audience who had attended it were convinced they had partaken in a very special experience. This paper will explore the making of a myth through the lack of publicity and audience, but thanks to the positive review of such a distinguished reviewer as Hazlitt. mer., 22 avril 2015 16:25:19 +0200 sam., 28 déc. 2019 14:25:57 +0100 https://shakespeare.edel.univ-poitiers.fr:443/shakespeare/index.php?id=838