Playing Indoors: Staging Early Modern Drama in the Sam Wanamaker Playhouse

Playing Indoors explores the performance of Elizabethan and Jacobean drama in the Sam Wanamaker Playhouse since its opening, combining insights into early modern stage practice and the experiences of actors and spectators. It is a valuable contribution to the field of early modern practice-as-research.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 296 pages
Publication date: 21 March 2019
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

Since the opening of the intimate candlelit theatre at Shakespeare's Globe, what have we discovered about performance practice in the Sam Wanamaker Playhouse?

Playing Indoors is a comprehensive two-year study that delves into the performance of Elizabethan and Jacobean drama in the unique setting of the Sam Wanamaker Playhouse. The book combines insights into early modern stage practice with observations from contemporary actors and spectators, offering a rich understanding of the theater's history.

In addition to exploring the encounters of artists and audience members who experienced the space firsthand, the book also examines the significance of re-imagined theaters like the Sam Wanamaker Playhouse and the Globe. Accessibly written for students, scholars, artists, and theater enthusiasts, Playing Indoors makes a valuable contribution to the emerging field of early modern practice-as-research.

The study reveals that the Sam Wanamaker Playhouse has become a hub for innovative and experimental performances, pushing the boundaries of traditional theater practices. The actors and directors have embraced the unique challenges of the space, using its intimacy and versatility to create powerful and immersive experiences for the audience.

One of the key findings of the study is the importance of collaboration between artists and audience members. The Playhouse has fostered a sense of community and engagement, allowing spectators to participate in the performance and interact with the actors in ways that were not possible in traditional theater settings.

The study also highlights the impact of technology on performance practice in the Playhouse. The use of digital projection, sound design, and lighting has enhanced the visual and auditory experience, allowing the actors to convey their emotions and intentions more effectively.

Furthermore, the study explores the historical significance of the Sam Wanamaker Playhouse and its role in preserving and promoting the legacy of Elizabethan and Jacobean drama. The theater has become a symbol of the ongoing importance of these plays and their relevance to contemporary audiences.

In conclusion, Playing Indoors provides a comprehensive and insightful examination of performance practice in the Sam Wanamaker Playhouse since its opening. The book offers valuable insights into early modern stage practice, the significance of re-imagined theaters, and the collaborative nature of performance. It is a must-read for students, scholars, artists, and theater enthusiasts alike, as it contributes to the growing body of knowledge in the field of early modern theater.

Weight: 332g
Dimension: 131 x 197 x 16 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781350109506