Staging, Playing, Pyrotechnics and Magic: Conventions of Performance in Early English Theatre: Shifting Paradigms in Early English Drama Studies

Butterworth's study investigates the practical and technical aspects of early English theatre, from the fifteenth to the early seventeenth century, focusing on staging, playing, pyrotechnics, and magic. It explores the backwaters of material culture that enabled, facilitated, and shaped performance, and is a fascinating introduction to the 'nuts and bolts' of early theatre. The book appeals to academics and students of performance, theatre history, medieval studies, and history and literature.

Format: Hardback
Length: 346 pages
Publication date: 08 February 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

In this comprehensive collection of research articles, Butterworth delves into the intricate exploration of the practical and technical aspects that shaped early English theatre during the fifteenth to early seventeenth centuries. The author meticulously examines the staging techniques employed for both pageant vehicles and theatre-in-the-round, analyzing their profound impact on the performances of actors, exhibitors, narrators, and prompters. Furthermore, Butterworth sheds light on the interconnected disciplines of pyrotechnics and magic, recognizing their significant influence on the nature of the theatrical presentations.

The sixteen chapters of the book are organized into four distinct sections: staging, playing, pyrotechnics, and magic. Drawing upon a wealth of primary source material, Butterworth encourages readers to re-discover and appreciate the diverse cast of actors, magicians, wainwrights, wheelwrights, pyrotechnists, and event managers who brought these early texts to vibrant theatrical life on bustling city streets and expansive open arenas.

Within these chapters, Butterworth delves into the critical backwaters of material culture that played a pivotal role in enabling, facilitating, and shaping performance, yet have received limited scholarly attention. Among the detailed itemized payments to carpenters and chemists, the precise requirements of mechanics and wheelwrights, and even nestled within the marginalia of suppliers of staging and ingenious devices, Butterworth has established his domain. This book serves as an enthralling introduction to the very essence of early theatre, unveiling the intricate "nuts and bolts" that drove its success.

Staging, Playing, Pyrotechnics, and Magic: Conventions of Performance in Early English Theatre is a meticulously researched and compelling celebration of stagecraft that will captivate scholars and students of performance, theatre history, and medieval studies alike. It offers a profound insight into the rich tapestry of theatrical practices and conventions of the past, shedding light on the enduring legacy of early English theatre in shaping the art form we recognize today.

Weight: 826g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032050362