The First Folio of William Shakespeare’s plays is a landmark object in the history of theater. Published in 1623, just seven years after the death of the playwright, it contains the first collected edition of his plays, including many that would not have survived without its publication. This book not only captures Shakespeare’s genius but… Continue reading Entry by Pedro Rivas: The First Folio of William Shakespeare’s plays (1623)

This image features a Japanese actors wearing an Shinto Priest costume for a Kabuki theater performace. In Kabuki, masks were worn by every actor. They were used to conceal the actors identity, as Kabuki actors were often of low social status and not considered sutiable for public appearances. The mask symbolized the character’s identity, emotions,… Continue reading Entry by Gianna Maurer: Kabuki: Ref.: player as masked Shinto Priest

Jacobean English theater was a style of theater that was commonly performed in playhouses during the mid 1500’s to the mid 1600’s. The plays were often written in elizabethan english and embodied the spirit of english society at the time. They represented a lot of the topics of interest at the time, like the nature… Continue reading Entry #2 By Alan Vara:The Enchanted Island, Before the Cell of Prospero – Prospero and Miranda (Shakespeare, The Tempest, Act 1, Scene 1), Benjamin Smith (British, active 1786–1833), Stipple engraving and etchingEntry #2 By Alan Vara:

This image features Marcello Moretti, playing the Harlequin in a classic Commedia dell’arte performance. He was playing this role at the Piccolo Teatro in Milan, Italy. This theater is considered a theater of major national and European importance. The Harlequin of the Piccolo Teatro in Milan was the most famous and seen Italian theater show… Continue reading Entry by Gianna Maurer: Reference, Italy, Commedia dell’arte, Marcello Moretti as Harlequin

The Kotsuzumi Drum

Kabuki theater was a popular form of entertainment during the Edo period and is one of Japan’s most esteemed forms of theater. Kabuki performances were recognized for their exaggerated and motions and eye catching costumes and make up, as the actors would make a lot of the details including their props and outfits almost comically… Continue reading Entry By Alan Vara: Kabuki Actor Sawamura Sojuro III as Kuhaku Saburo