Shakespeare's Stagecraft

by J.L. Styan

For many years, critics and students of Shakespeare have tended to stress that his plays are poetic structures embodying 'themes', and these structures have been analysed in great detail. Professor Styan advocates another approach. The plays were written for acting, in a theatre of a particular type. If we ask what effects this kind of theatre encouraged and how Shakespeare exploited them, the plays are seen as a sequence of stage-effects, planned with great art so as to enrich, reinforce and modify each other. Professor Styan begins with the known facts about the Elizabethan theatre, stressing the effect of the size of the apron stage, and the degree in which the spectators situated all around are involved in the action. It was a theatre of movement and grouping, and above all speech. Shakespeare's verse is full of suggestions about how it is to be delivered; it is, in Professor Styan's word, 'gestic'. Professor Styan shows in very many examples, quoting the text and examining its dramatic implications, what the words suggest about movement over the stage, about the relationship between groups of players on the stage, and about the delivery and dramatic effect of the words themselves. Thus we build up a new sense of the whole play. This is a convenient and comprehensive introduction to the study of Shakespeare's dramatic craftsmanship, which also reopens that direction of enquiry which Granville-Barker first explored.

Genres: Shakespeare, Nonfiction

256 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1967

Reviews

[Emily · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting discussion of what Shaespeare's stage of his time would have been like. It discusses numerous plays and their use of directions, words, and ideas that would have created the make-believe worlds for the audience.

[Bill Hurlbut · Rating 4 out of 5]

I first read this book in the 1970s, but I appreciate it more now with the perspective of time and more experience with Shakespeare as both and actor and audience member. It provides a valuable perspective on the interplay between language and performance.

[Mark Valentine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the practical nature of this book. Styan has an encyclopedic understanding of Shakespeare's plays and how a director and actor may solve difficult stagings. Styan interprets the language, history, and spirit of the plays. It should be required reading in any Production class. For actors too, since it examines how scenes, dialogue, language patterns and stresses of key plays all can contribute to a full performance.

This is NOT a stodgy, stuffy, removed book on Shakespeare. Just the opposite; it serves to make Shakespeare more accessible and therefore, more enjoyable. If you like books like this (like I do!), then I highly recommend it.

[Ryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A bit dated, but full of great insights and analysis on the staging of Shakespeare.

[Martin Noutch · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the most influential books as far as my study of drama goes. This is quite original, very persuasive and served with healthy doses of common sense. If only more critical writing was like this!