3 Review(s)

This 1982 book demonstrates the value of the approach to Shakespeare which works on the assumption that in the final judgement it is only in performance that a play is fully realised. Recapturing in lively detail the major performances of The Winter's Tale from Jacobean England to the twentieth century, the book ranges through England and America. Productions by Reinhardt in Germany and Copeau in France are also glanced at; the staging of the play by the Duke of Saxe-Meiningen's company in London is given more detailed treatment. Dennis Bartholomeusz sees the great performances as acts of criticism and creation, and pays close attention the effect of textual cuts, grouping and movement, costume, set design and music, illustrating the text with contemporary paintings, prints, scene designs and photographs. The Winter's Tale was chosen because it raises salient issues that are critical to the staging of Shakespeare's plays.