John Sichel

Early in his career, John was asked by 'Laurence Olivier' (qv) to direct the National Theatre Company in the award-winning film of Chekhov's _Three Sisters (1970)_ (qv) with Olivier, 'Joan Plowright' (qv) and 'Alan Bates' (qv). He then went on to direct Olivier in Shakespeare's _The Merchant of Venice (1976)_ (qv) and 'Alec Guinness' (qv) and 'Ralph Richardson' (qv) in _ITV Sunday Night Theatre: Twelfth Night (1970)_ (qv).His experience as a commissioner and director of drama and drama-documentaries enabled him to work with some of the world's finest actors including 'Derek Jacobi' (qv), 'Helen Mirren' (qv), 'Anthony Hopkins' (qv), 'Sean Connery' (qv) and 'Michael Caine' (qv). He has also worked as a director and trainer at several of the UK's leading theatres and institutions including the Young Vic, Guildhall School of Drama, RADA, Shaw Theatre, Italia Conti, London Film School, Edinburgh Festival. For the latter part of his career he established ARTTS Skillcentre, a training facility supporting artists in employment with the film and television industry.::Rowan M. Ashe