Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)This is a paperback reprint of King's 1992 study, one of a handful of books that deal (though not very accurately) with 16th- and 17th-Century actors and the roles they doubled. It should be noted that this is bascially a reference, rather than a text to be read from cover to cover: most of it (around two thirds) contains tables listing selected plays (including 38 by Shakespeare), the roles involved (major and minor, men and boys), doubling suggestions, and the percentage of the lines spoken. Packed with facsimiles of key documents, this (alongside Nungezer's and Baldwin's similar studies) is an excellent tool for theatre practitioners and students interested in the acting style of the period. However, I am still surprised that King hasn't included a casting chart for 'Titus Andronicus' (this should be placed between pages 168 and 169): anyone know why?
Click Here to see more reviews about: Casting Shakespeare's Plays: London Actors and their Roles, 1590-1642
Invaluable source material for professional theatre directors and for students of English dramatic literature is provided by this detailed examination of playhouse procedures for Shakespeare's own acting company. In careful analysis, T. J. King reveals how the size and composition of the casts of characters for Shakespeare's plays were determined by common theatrical practices at London playhouses between 1590 and 1642. King closely examines manuscripts, contemporary play-books and authoritative texts of Shakespeare to determine the numbers of actors required and the procedures for actors doubling roles. The volume contains numerous illustrations of playhouse documents as well as tables and lists of actors, plays and roles.
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