The Shakespeare Conference: SHK 11.1071  Saturday, 22 May 2000.

From:           Jack Heller <This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.>
Date:           Friday, 19 May 2000 09:21:45 -0400
Subject:        FX and Stage Props

I have just been rereading the Lodge and Greene play _A Looking Glass
for London and England_, and I've come upon the following stage
directions:

"Other Ladies bring a globe seated in a ship."

"The Magi with their rods beat the ground, and from under the same
riseth a brave arbor; the King returneth in another suit while the
trumpets sound."

"Lightning and thunder wherewith Remilia is stroken."

"Upon this prayer she departeth, and flame of fire appeareth from
beneath, and Radagon is swallowed."

"A hand from out a cloud threateneth a burning sword."

"A serpent devoureth the vine."

I've read some of the histories of the business of the early theaters,
but I don't recall reading anything about what might have been done to
produce some of these effects. Clearly, there is some use here of the
stage trapdoors. What might have been done to produce the hand with the
burning sword, the serpent eating the vine, or the bolt of lightning?
Which text should I look up?

Jack Heller

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