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: Paperback / softback
Length: 346 pages
Publication date: 29 January 2024
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 focuses on examining the staging techniques employed for both pageant vehicles and theatre-in-the-round, analyzing their profound impact on the performances of players, 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 rediscover and appreciate the diverse cast of actors, magicians, wainwrights, wheelwrights, pyrotechnists, and event managers who brought these early theatrical texts to life on bustling city streets and vast open arenas. The chapters delve into the critical backwaters of material culture that played a pivotal role in enabling, facilitating, and shaping performance, yet have received limited scholarly attention. Within these chapters, Butterworth uncovers the intricate details of itemized payments to carpenters, chemists, mechanics, and wheelwrights, as well as the noteworthy requirements of staging and ingenious devices. This book serves as a captivating introduction to the fundamental "nuts and bolts" of early theatre, offering a deep understanding of the artistic and technical processes that shaped this vibrant theatrical tradition.

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. The author's meticulous analysis and insightful observations provide a rich tapestry of information, shedding light on the intricate interplay between performance conventions, material culture, and the broader social and cultural contexts of early English theatre. This book serves as a valuable resource for anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of the rich and complex world of early English theatre.

Weight: 453g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032050379