Recovering Shakespeare's Theatrical Vocabulary

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Focusing on the visual aspects of Shakespeare's plays, this investigation delves into the original audience's experience and the staging techniques of the time. Dessen analyzes stage directions from around 600 English plays before 1642, revealing a shared theatrical vocabulary that includes nuanced terms and onstage effects often overlooked today. By examining costumes and props, the book challenges conventional interpretations of Shakespeare's work, prompting a reevaluation of how these plays are read and presented in modern contexts.