Art and commerce: two houses, alike in dignity, but, according to some, with nothing much in common. Although artists have always relied on moneymen, some still find the idea distasteful. This ancient grudge has resurfaced in a controversy over plans to revamp the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC).rnAdrian Noble, the RSC'S artistic director, wants to demolish the main, unloved theatre in Stratford-upon-Avon and replace it with a £100m ($142m) "theatre vil-lage". Next year, the RSC will forsake the Barbican, its equally unprepossessing London base, to play in the West End and elsewhere. Mr Noble wants the RSC'S brand to work harder abroad, especially in America. The aim is to be more nimble artistically, and to increase audiences and revenue. Cue sound, fury, narrowly averted strikes and high-profile resignations.
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