This title is one of the "Shakespeare in Performance" series, the aim of which is to reflect the move in Shakespeare teaching towards a greater awareness of the play in the theatre. The books are not comprehensive stage histories, but detailed discussions of a small number of productions chosen to throw most light on the play in question. This particular study considers the theatrical fortunes of "Richard II" from its politically controversial beginnings on the Elizabethan and Restoration stage through to the 20th century. Margaret Shrewing analyzes the way in which the play has changed in response to the differing tastes and attitudes of its audiences across the centuries. Performances cut, restructure and add to Shakespeare's essentially poetic script to highlight aspects such as spectacle, the personality of the King, and the place of Richard in the sweep of overall history.
- ISBN10 0719027195
- ISBN13 9780719027192
- Publish Date 28 March 1996
- Publish Status Out of Print
- Out of Print 22 November 1999
- Publish Country GB
- Imprint Manchester University Press
- Format Hardcover
- Pages 224
- Language English