James Martin Charlton – appreciation

James Martin Charlton

James is a playwright and academic at Middlesex University. After a longish chat at the British Library about TSL, the challenges of getting published, the world of education and plays being performed, among other topics, James decided to have TSL publish his plays.
One of the things I enjoy as a publisher, and historian, is a stimulating conversation allowing each to explore and discover more than the task at hand. Detail might disappear, but the connection has been made.
James’s script writing is historic – he’s taken old classics and adapted them for the stage. Quite a skill in my view – capturing the essence of a long read into just over an hour whilst retaining the style of the original and character of the personalities involved. Divine Vision by William Blake and The Pilgrim’s Progress by John Bunyon are two texts adapted by James for the stage – demonstrating their relevance still today. Bunyon will have his 400th anniversary in 2028 (Shakespeare began his time on earth about 70 years earlier). Dante dates back to the 1700s. In addition to adapting the stories, James also gives some context to the texts which is appreciated.
I’d be remiss not to mention the artist who did the covers for the two books – James decided to ask a student (Phillip Block) to do the covers for him, helping him get a foot on the ladder – exactly what education is there for.

With James Martin Charlton and James Kenworth both in the same department at Middlesex, I can’t help but think that drama students are getting a good social theatre grounding.