Laughing and Weeping in Early Modern Theatres

Fiction & Literature, Literary Theory & Criticism
Cover of the book Laughing and Weeping in Early Modern Theatres by Matthew Steggle, Taylor and Francis
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Matthew Steggle ISBN: 9781351922999
Publisher: Taylor and Francis Publication: December 5, 2016
Imprint: Routledge Language: English
Author: Matthew Steggle
ISBN: 9781351922999
Publisher: Taylor and Francis
Publication: December 5, 2016
Imprint: Routledge
Language: English

Did Shakespeare's original audiences weep? Equally, while it seems obvious that they must have laughed at plays performed in early modern theatres, can we say anything about what their laughter sounded like, about when it occurred, and about how, culturally, it was interpreted? Related to both of these problems of audience behaviour is that of the stage representation of laughing, and weeping, both actions performed with astonishing frequency in early modern drama. Each action is associated with a complex set of non-verbal noises, gestures, and cultural overtones, and each is linked to audience behaviour through one of the axioms of Renaissance dramatic theory: that weeping and laughter on stage cause, respectively, weeping and laughter in the audience. This book is a study of laughter and weeping in English theatres, broadly defined, from around 1550 until their closure in 1642. It is concerned both with the representation of these actions on the stage, and with what can be reconstructed about the laughter and weeping of theatrical audiences themselves, arguing that both actions have a peculiar importance in defining the early modern theatrical experience.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

Did Shakespeare's original audiences weep? Equally, while it seems obvious that they must have laughed at plays performed in early modern theatres, can we say anything about what their laughter sounded like, about when it occurred, and about how, culturally, it was interpreted? Related to both of these problems of audience behaviour is that of the stage representation of laughing, and weeping, both actions performed with astonishing frequency in early modern drama. Each action is associated with a complex set of non-verbal noises, gestures, and cultural overtones, and each is linked to audience behaviour through one of the axioms of Renaissance dramatic theory: that weeping and laughter on stage cause, respectively, weeping and laughter in the audience. This book is a study of laughter and weeping in English theatres, broadly defined, from around 1550 until their closure in 1642. It is concerned both with the representation of these actions on the stage, and with what can be reconstructed about the laughter and weeping of theatrical audiences themselves, arguing that both actions have a peculiar importance in defining the early modern theatrical experience.

More books from Taylor and Francis

Cover of the book Understanding African Philosophy by Matthew Steggle
Cover of the book The Future of Trauma Theory by Matthew Steggle
Cover of the book Radical Politics in Modern Turkey by Matthew Steggle
Cover of the book China's Integration in Asia by Matthew Steggle
Cover of the book Paths to Democracy by Matthew Steggle
Cover of the book Balkan Babel by Matthew Steggle
Cover of the book Literacy in the New Media Age by Matthew Steggle
Cover of the book The American Revolution by Matthew Steggle
Cover of the book Accessing Noun-Phrase Antecedents (RLE Linguistics B: Grammar) by Matthew Steggle
Cover of the book Coaching Cultures by Matthew Steggle
Cover of the book Shakespeare, Performance and the Archive by Matthew Steggle
Cover of the book Partners in Palliative Care by Matthew Steggle
Cover of the book Problem Solving for New Engineers by Matthew Steggle
Cover of the book Introduction to Health and Safety in Construction by Matthew Steggle
Cover of the book Libraries Within Their Institutions by Matthew Steggle
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy