The Shakespeare Conference: SHK 16.1954 Sunday, 27 November 2005
From: Scot Zarela <This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.>
Date: Saturday, 26 Nov 2005 09:57:58 -0800
Subject: 16.1923 Empty stage?
Comment: Re: SHK 16.1923 Empty stage?
The juncture of Prospero's exit and re-entrance doesn't require a void
stage even for a moment. Before he exits, he is not alone: at least
Ariel is with him, and possibly other spirits. He commands, "Follow me,
and do me service," at which point, as master, it would be suitable for
him to leave first: then Ariel (and other spirits, if present) would
follow, still performing as they depart. This need not be very much
performance in an absolute sense, but it can still be enough to give
Prospero time to change, off-scene, into his magic robes, and re-enter,
perhaps inconspicuously, through another door. When the spirits have
concluded their departure, Prospero could then reveal himself and begin
Act V.
-- Scot
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