Emma Rice

Emma Rice is a British director, writer, and performer who has made a significant impact in the world of theatre. Born in 1967 in London, Rice grew up in Cornwall and went on to study drama at Manchester University. She began her career as a performer, working with companies such as Kneehigh Theatre and the Wildworks Theatre Company.

In 2003, Rice became the artistic director of Kneehigh Theatre, a position she held for a decade. During her time at Kneehigh, Rice directed and adapted a number of productions that received critical acclaim, including "Tristan & Yseult," "The Red Shoes," and "Brief Encounter." Her work with Kneehigh was known for its innovative use of music, puppetry, and physical theatre.
In 2016, Rice became the artistic director of Shakespeare's Globe in London. Her appointment was met with controversy, as some critics felt that her background in physical theatre and her non-traditional approach to Shakespeare were not in line with the Globe's mission. However, Rice's tenure at the Globe was marked by a number of successful productions, including "A Midsummer Night's Dream," "Twelfth Night," and "Romantics Anonymous."