The Shakespeare Conference: SHK 19.0438  Thursday, 24 July 2008

From:       Judy Prince <
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Date:       Thursday, 24 Jul 2008 09:57:53 -0400
Subject:    Stage "Business", Then and Now

How important is stage "business" in the performance of Shakespeare's plays? Was 
it more important then than it is now?

My curiosity was prompted by a recent performance of the National Theatre of 
Scotland's "Black Watch." Its high degree of stage "business", few and simple 
sets, limited props, fluid scene changes, and costume-emphasis struck me as 
similar to Elizabethan-era plays.

For those interested in "Black Watch" and the NTS, scenes from the play along 
with Director John Tiffany's remarks are effectively You-Tubed here: 
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6j_DqmTXHP8

and an inspired, informed recent preview by Jane Edwardes can be read here: 
http://www.timeout.com/london/theatre/features/5033/html

All the best,
Judy Prince

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