A discussion of the Macbeth that Salvador Dali illustrated (for which, q.v.) reminded me of another slightly rare Shakespeare book that I happen to have.
Essentially, this book is a performance edition of Hamlet based on a wartime production (in Hawaii, in 1944) and a subsequent performance on Broadway. Maurice Evans' introduction recounts the decisions he and the production cast made in putting the play on for members of the military. It includes revelations about costuming, editing, and conceptualizing the play for that particular audience.
For a sample, I'm providing the title page (with facing portrait of Maurice Evans), a sample of the detailed stage directions from the opening lines of the play, and an image that will give you a sense of the costumes.
Click below to purchase the book from amazon.com
(and to support Bardfilm as you do so).
That looks so interesting, I just HAD to order myself a copy on Amazon!
ReplyDeleteSurprisingly, it wasn't at all expensive...about twenty bucks.
Thanks, Cory—yes, it's interesting, and there are a surprising number of fairly-inexpensive copies available.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy it!
kj