Cambridge University Press Shakespeare's Victorian Stage: Performing History in the Theatre of Charles Kean

This book explores the revivals of Shakespeare's history plays during the Victorian period, as staged by the famous actor-manager Charles Kean. Between 1852 and 1859, Kean produced celebrated productions of Henry V, Henry VIII, King John, Macbeth and Richard II, renowned for their unprecendented attention to antiquarian detail in sets, costumes, and properties (many of which are shown in the book's illustrations). These productions provided audiences with an unparalleled opportunity to participate in the Victorian obsession with history, especially of the medieval period. Using valuable primary sources, including promptbooks, scenic designs, costume sketches and contemporary reviews, Richard Schoch places mid-Victorian attitudes towards the theatre in the context of major intellectual and political movements of the age. The book will be of interest to scholars and students of theatre history, Shakespeare studies and Victorian culture. Review "Richly researched and clearly written, the book makes a strong contribution to the growing body of work on Shakespeare and the Victorian period." South Atlantic Review"Schoch's splendid book should inspire others to examine burlesque as a background to more familiar works." Studies in English Literature"Schoch has covered much ground in this complex and well-written book..." Essays in Theatre"One of the most useful aspects of this study is its consideration of the triangulation of historicized dramaturgy, national identity, and emancipatory rhetoric in mid-Victorian Britain....critically sophisticated." Shakespeare Quarterly"...interesting...provocative ideas..." Choice Book Description This book explores the revivals of Shakespeare's history plays as staged by actor-manager Charles Kean in mid-Victorian London.