Expert: Arlene Schulman - 11/9/2007

Question
Hello Ms.Schulman,
I am currently in Year 13 and finishing my last few terms of the IB. Considering I am taking the Theatre Arts course I am directed to produce a project known as a Research Commission. The project is based upon a style of theatre, then using a certain text then basing your essay on an aspect of theatre for example I am focusing on Elizabethan while using the text Othello and basing my project on stage design. I need some advice on how I can realistically in an Elizabethan style, stage Othello on a proscenium arch stage (measurements 8.80 x 10.70 metres). If you have any information or adivce to offer me on staging Othello on this particular stage and making it as realistic as possible please let me know, thank you so very much.
Taylor


Answer
Hi Taylor,

Elizabethan stages were generally outdoor amphitheatres such as The Globe, with thrust stages that had audience seating on at least three sides, sometimes all four.  Indoor theatres, such as Blackfriars Playhouse, which came into use toward the end of Elizabeth's reign and during James I's reign (the Jacobean period), were smaller, lit by candles, but also used a thrust stage.  Since you will be using a proscenium stage, you might want to try seating some of the audience on the stage, as they did at Blackfriars.  

Elizabethan theatre used no real sets and only the most basic set pieces and props.  They had no curtains and until the opening of Blackfriars and the other indoor theatres they had no scene or act breaks.  The action from one scene to the next ran into each other - one set of actors exiting as the next entered - creating a continuous performance.  It is easy enough to do that on any stage.  

Costuming on the Elizabethan stage could be somewhat elaborate, but mainly consisted of clothing worn at that time.  The upper class clothing was often donated by aristocrats.  There were some costumes that were created for some characters - often royalty or Gods and the like, or perhaps soldiers uniforms such as in Othello.  

Basically, to emulate Elizabethan staging, I suggest keeping it simple, with basic set pieces, focusing on the acting and the story.

Best,
Arlene (MsDirector)