Abstract
In comparison with current theaters, the performing conditions of the
Elizabethan public theater astonish by its precariousness of means: an
empty stage, almost no scenography, basic props, minimal and rudimentary
«special effects», only male actors, natural light shows, stationary,
time and calendar restrictions, etc. The article suggests that this precariousness
of means was one of the causes that explain the artistic quality
of this drama, and that of Shakespeare in particular, while characterizing
and contrasting the indicated performing conditions with examples
of two precise elements of the Shakespearean canon: a) the commentaries
on plays and playing activity that diverse characters utter; and b) scenes
and episodes where the verisimilitude of what is performed depends
exclusively on the word put into action.
Elizabethan public theater astonish by its precariousness of means: an
empty stage, almost no scenography, basic props, minimal and rudimentary
«special effects», only male actors, natural light shows, stationary,
time and calendar restrictions, etc. The article suggests that this precariousness
of means was one of the causes that explain the artistic quality
of this drama, and that of Shakespeare in particular, while characterizing
and contrasting the indicated performing conditions with examples
of two precise elements of the Shakespearean canon: a) the commentaries
on plays and playing activity that diverse characters utter; and b) scenes
and episodes where the verisimilitude of what is performed depends
exclusively on the word put into action.
Original language | Spanish |
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Pages (from-to) | 77-93 |
Number of pages | 16 |
Journal | Poéticas. Revista de Estudios Literarios |
Volume | año 5 |
Issue number | 13 |
State | Published - 2021 |
Keywords
- Theater, Elizabethan Theater, Shakespeare, Empty stage, Performing