Renowned director Sir Gregory Doran's production of William Shakespeare's "Two Gentlemen of Verona" is currently in rehearsals at St Catherine's College, Oxford. This initiative reflects a long-standing tradition of involving professional theatre practitioners in Oxford student productions, dating back to the 17th century.
Daniel Blank, an assistant professor in the department of English studies at Durham University, notes that this practice is not new. For instance, in the late 1610s, the professional playwright Ben Jonson was invited to Christ Church, Oxford. In 1636, during King Charles I’s visit to the university, students received theatrical guidance from leading actors in London. The engagement of professionals like Doran continues this rich historical tradition, enhancing the quality and authenticity of student performances.