Shakespearean Worlds
...ly not the devil as witches imply. Friday 7th December Dramatic performances in Shakespearean times were often in the afternoon, relying on lighting from the sun. (The Globe had no roof.) Difficult to intimate night, with no technical lighting, however the text is colourful and for example at Banquos death, (III.iii.5) the first murderer speaks an important line, "The west yet glimmers with some streaks of day". This sets the scene, intimating the time of day. Saturday 8th December The mood of the drama is enhanced by costumes and visual signs and demonstrations, The witches attire is paramount in focusing the audience on the evil of their character. As with the Elizabethan, my Macbeth must go to the front of the stage for his soliloquies, especially that in Act 3, scene 1. The oratory skills and articulation of my actors is mandatory, for rhythm and tempo of speech. A necessity in retaining the two hour performance time designated by the Elizabethans. Without an intermission I must also consider the element of audience interest. Sunday 9th December According to tradition my actors should actually only receive the scripts two weeks before the performance and be performing up to eight other plays. (I doubt my actors could handle this) Lady Macbeth shall have a dazzling costume - no matter what the expense - she must contribute to the presentation of t...