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Unearthing Shakespeare
What can the Globe Theatre tell us about performing Shakespeare? Unearthing Shakespeare is the first book to consider what the Globe, today’s replica of Shakespeare’s theatre, can contribute to a practical understanding of Shakespeare’s plays. Valerie Clayman Pye reconsiders the material evidence of Early Modern theatre-making, presenting clear, accessible discussions of historical theatre practice; stages and staging; and the relationship between actor and audience. She relays this into a series of training exercises for actors at all levels. From "Shakesball" and "Telescoping" to Elliptical Energy Training and The Radiating Box , this is a rich set of resources for anyone looking to tackle Shakespeare with authenticity and confidence.
- GenresTheatre
220 pages, Hardcover
Published January 25, 2017
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
June 21, 2017
An exceptional book that takes you into Shakespeare's text to research and develop understandings of the language, and how to springboard ideas and inspiration from Will himself.
The book is also helpful as it's divided (essentially) into 3 parts that can be read beginning to end as I did, or to pick and choose what chapters you need based on what you're application you're seeking to use. While not formally outlines like this, the book breaks down like this for me:
Part 1, arm yourself information and history, a backbone to understanding why Shakespeare did the things he did, and why the text is the way it is.
Part 2, arm yourself with tools, Pye breaks down the key clues Shakespeare left behind in the text to inspire actors, from the use of punctuation to the rhythm of the language, and more!
Part 3, arm yourself with practice, Pye includes a long list of fully described exercises and how she uses them in the class/rehearsal room and how they can benefit performers.
The book is also helpful as it's divided (essentially) into 3 parts that can be read beginning to end as I did, or to pick and choose what chapters you need based on what you're application you're seeking to use. While not formally outlines like this, the book breaks down like this for me:
Part 1, arm yourself information and history, a backbone to understanding why Shakespeare did the things he did, and why the text is the way it is.
Part 2, arm yourself with tools, Pye breaks down the key clues Shakespeare left behind in the text to inspire actors, from the use of punctuation to the rhythm of the language, and more!
Part 3, arm yourself with practice, Pye includes a long list of fully described exercises and how she uses them in the class/rehearsal room and how they can benefit performers.
December 24, 2023
While this book seems to be for the advanced, there are many chapters that over explain the basics and others that gloss over the meat of what Pye is trying to tell her audience. Additionally there is no real references or citing to any previous research which makes the book seem more opinion based and not something that actually has an impact on the theatrical industry, specifically at the Globe Theatre
January 25, 2019
A lot of terrifically useful stuff in here, particularly for the way I spend my summers.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews