This volume, while it raises all the questions appertaining to the cultural, historical and critical contexts of the play, has as its primary focus the play as theatrical performance. The questions raised are those that face actors, stage managers and directors, scenic and costume designers, in the rehearsal room and on the stage.
Shakespeare HandboekenReeks
Deze serie biedt een gedetailleerde verkenning van het leven en werk van William Shakespeare, een van de meest invloedrijke toneelschrijvers uit de geschiedenis. Elk deel duikt in specifieke toneelstukken, onderzoekt de historische context, literaire analyse en blijvende impact ervan. Het dient als een onschatbare bron voor studenten, theaterliefhebbers en iedereen die op zoek is naar een dieper begrip van de Shakespeareaanse genialiteit.






Aanbevolen leesvolgorde
Webster: The Duchess of Malfi
- 168bladzijden
- 6 uur lezen
This introductory guide to one of Webster's most widely-studied plays offers a scene-by-scene theatrically aware commentary, a brief history of the text and first performances, case studies of key performances and productions, a survey of film and TV adaptations, and a wide sampling of critical opinion and annotated further reading.
This introductory guide to one of Webster's most widely-studied plays offers a scene-by-scene commentary of the play in performance, a brief history of the text and first performances, case studies of key productions, a wide sampling of critical opinion and further reading.
A Guide to Twelfth Night
- 68bladzijden
- 3 uur lezen
The Shakespeare Handbooks provide a helpful, straightforward guide to the work of the world's most celebrated dramatist. Along with a clear, easy-to-follow description of the plot, each book contains plenty of quotations from the text - with simple explanations of any unfamiliar words and phrases - and some thought-provoking comments from critics, past and present. The Shakespeare Handbooks include a few intriguing Shakespearean facts and figures, too. How old was Shakespeare when he wrote Twelfth Night? Where did he get the name of the play's central character, Orsino? Which topics are mentioned more frequently in this play than in any other by Shakespeare? What is an 'ordinary fool'? And why was Twelfth Night not published during Shakespeare's lifetime? If you're apprehensive about approaching a Shakespeare play, the Shakespeare Handbooks provide the perfect introduction. They're ideal for students, theatregoers - in fact, anyone curious to know more about the greatest plays in the English language. These are a few of the appreciative comments we've received about the Shakespeare Handbooks "Tremendously useful in helping to understand Shakespeare's works" - Dame Judi Dench. "Very readable, very helpful" - Kenneth Branagh. "The Shakespeare Handbooks open the plays up admirably. Excellent for all levels of reader - everybody will get something from them." - Simon Callow.
This introduction to the performance potential of one of Shakespeare's most theatrically exciting plays provides extensive commentary that explores the challenges faced by actors and directors and encourages readers to engage imaginatively with Shakespeare's words. Chapters on stage, film and critical history combine to form a comprehensive study.
A Guide to As You Like It
- 62bladzijden
- 3 uur lezen
The Shakespeare Handbooks provide a helpful, straightforward guide to the work of the world’s most celebrated dramatist. Along with a clear, easy-to-follow description of the plot, each book contains plenty of quotations from the text – with simple explanations of any unfamiliar words and phrases – and some thought-provoking comments from critics, past and present.The Shakespeare Handbooks include a few intriguing Shakespearean facts and figures, too. How old was Shakespeare when he wrote As You Like It ? Which character is he thought to have played in his own comedy? Where is the Forest of Arden? What – and when – is ‘the only pretty ring-time’? And who is the stranger carrying a bloodstained handkerchief?If you’re apprehensive about approaching a Shakespeare play, the Shakespeare Handbooks provide the perfect introduction. They’re ideal for students, theatregoers – in fact, anyone curious to know more about the greatest plays in the English language.These are a few of the appreciative comments we’ve received about the Shakespeare Handbooks :“Tremendously useful in helping to understand Shakespeare’s works” – Dame Judi Dench.“Very readable, very helpful” – Kenneth Branagh.“The Shakespeare Handbooks open the plays up admirably. Excellent for all levels of reader – everybody will get something from them.” – Simon Callow.
The commentary at the centre of this groundbreaking introduction alerts the reader to what happens on stage during a performance by showing what the text requires from actors and the choices they are offered.
An introductory guide to King Lear in performance offering a scene-by-scene theatrically aware commentary, contextual documents, a brief history of the text and first performances, case studies of key productions, a survey of film and TV adaptations, a sampling of critical opinion and annotated further reading.
General Editor's Preface.- Acknowledgements.- The Text and Early Performances.- Commentary.- The Play's Sources.- Key Productions.- The Play on Screen.- Critical Assessments.- Further Reading.- Index.
This introductory guide to one of Marlowe's most widely-studied plays offers a scene-by-scene theatrically aware commentary, a brief history of the text and first performances, case studies of key performances and productions, a survey of screen adaptations, and a wide sampling of critical opinion and further reading.
Measure for Measure
- 176bladzijden
- 7 uur lezen
Measure for Measure generates much debate and is strikingly modern. This introductory guide offers a scene-by-scene theatrically aware commentary, a brief history of the text and first performance, studies of influential performances, a survey of film and TV adaptation, a wide sampling of critical opinion and annotated further reading.
Julius Caesar
- 176bladzijden
- 7 uur lezen
This introductory guide to the first of Shakespeare's mature tragedies offers a scene-by-scene theatrically aware commentary, a brief history of the text and first performances, case studies of key performances and productions, a survey of film and TV adaptations, and a wide sampling of critical opinion and annotated further reading.
A Guide to A Midsummer Night's Dream
- 80bladzijden
- 3 uur lezen
This Handbook provides an introductory guide to Richard II offering a scene- by-scene theatrically aware commentary, contextual documents, a brief history of the text and first performances, case studies of three or four key performances and productions, a survey of film and TV adaptations, a wide sampling of critical opinion and further reading.
The Tempest
- 176bladzijden
- 7 uur lezen
The commentary at the heart of the book introduces readers to the challenge of reading The Tempest as a text and responding to the play in performance. A wide-ranging sample of critical responses accompanies consideration of key performances and productions on stage and film.
Focusing on the complexities of plot and language, this handbook helps readers navigate Shakespeare's plays, allowing them to fully appreciate the richness and vibrancy of his writing. It serves as a supportive tool for understanding the intricacies of his works while enhancing the overall enjoyment of his timeless themes and characters.
A Guide to Macbeth
- 80bladzijden
- 3 uur lezen
The Shakespeare Handbooks provide a helpful, straightforward guide to the work of the world's most celebrated dramatist. Along with a clear, easy-to-follow description of the plot, each book contains plenty of quotations from the text - with simple explanations of any unfamiliar words and phrases - and some thought-provoking comments from critics, past and present. The Shakespeare Handbooks include a few intriguing Shakespearean facts and figures, too. How old was Shakespeare when he wrote Macbeth? Why did the play appeal so strongly to the King? How does the Gunpowder Plot come into the play? And why is bear-baiting mentioned? Which word is used more frequently in Macbeth than in any other play by Shakespeare? What did Laurence Olivier think of the play? And Giuseppe Verdi? And W. H. Auden? If you're apprehensive about approaching a Shakespeare play, the Shakespeare Handbooks provide the perfect introduction. They're ideal for students, theatregoers - in fact, anyone curious to know more about the greatest plays in the English language. These are a few of the appreciative comments we've received about the Shakespeare Handbooks "Tremendously useful in helping to understand Shakespeare's works" - Dame Judi Dench. "Very readable, very helpful" - Kenneth Branagh. "The Shakespeare Handbooks open the plays up admirably. Excellent for all levels of reader - everybody will get something from them." - Simon Callow.
This introductory guide to one of Jonson's most widely-studied plays offers a scene-by-scene theatrically aware commentary, a brief history of the text and first performances, case studies of key performances and productions, a survey of film and TV adaptations, and a wide sampling of critical opinion and further reading.
General Editor's Preface.- Acknowledgements.- The Text and Early Performances.- Commentary.- The Play's Sources and Cultural Context.- Critical Assessments.- Key Productions and Performances.- The Play on Screen.- Further Reading.- Index.
Ford: 'Tis Pity She's a Whore
- 176bladzijden
- 7 uur lezen
The Handbook explores the controversial themes and characters of "Tis Pity She's a Whore," a pivotal play in English theatre. Martin White delves into the moral complexities and societal critiques presented in the narrative, offering insights into its historical context and impact. The text serves as a guide for understanding the play's enduring relevance and the provocative nature of its content, making it essential for both new audiences and seasoned scholars.
This introductory guide to one of Middleton and Rowley's most widely-studied plays offers a scene-by-scene theatrically aware commentary, a brief history of the text and first performances, case studies of key performances and productions, a survey of film and TV adaptations, and a wide sampling of critical opinion and further reading.
The commentary at the centre of this Handbook introduces students to the play as it would be experienced in performance. Other sections provide basic information about the text and its first performances, a brief description of the main political and cultural currents of the time and the popular kinds of entertainment, drama and comedy.
A Guide to Romeo and Juliet
- 94bladzijden
- 4 uur lezen
The Shakespeare Handbooks provide a helpful, straightforward guide to the work of the world's most celebrated dramatist. Along with a clear, easy-to-follow description of the plot, each book contains plenty of quotations from the text - with simple explanations of any unfamiliar words and phrases - and some thought-provoking comments from critics, past and present. The Shakespeare Handbooks include a few intriguing Shakespearean facts and figures, too. How old was Shakespeare when he wrote Romeo and Juliet? Is it based on a true story? How did the public react to the play when it was first produced? Which image occurs more frequently in this play than in any other by Shakespeare? Why was the plague on Shakespeare's mind when he wrote Romeo and Juliet? And what - or who - is a 'cot-quean'? If you're apprehensive about approaching a Shakespeare play, the Shakespeare Handbooks provide the perfect introduction. They're ideal for students, theatregoers - in fact, anyone curious to know more about the greatest plays in the English language. These are a few of the appreciative comments we've received about the Shakespeare Handbooks: "Tremendously useful in helping to understand Shakespeare's works" - Dame Judi Dench. "Very readable, very helpful" - Kenneth Branagh. "The Shakespeare Handbooks open the plays up admirably. Excellent for all levels of reader - everybody will get something from them." - Simon Callow.
This engaging double-volume Handbook explores the Henry IV plays as texts for performance as they unfold, moment by moment, on the stage. With scene-by- scene commentary, and including an account of their life on stage, film and in criticism, this guide illuminates two plays that together rank as one of Shakespeare's greatest achievements.