Pronouncing Shakespeare The Globe Experiment
“Pronouncing Shakespeare The Globe Experiment” by David Crystal, published by Cambridge University Press on April 21, 2005, explores the original sounds of Shakespeare’s plays as they were performed. This 208-page book delves into the unique experience of a production of “Romeo and Juliet” presented in original pronunciation at Shakespeare’s Globe in June 2004. Crystal combines autobiography, narrative, and academic insights to discuss the Globe theatre’s approach to original practices, particularly focusing on the often-overlooked aspect of pronunciation in Elizabethan stagecraft.
Readers will find a detailed examination of the Early Modern English sound system and how it influenced the performances. The book includes accounts of the actors’ challenges in mastering the pronunciation and the audience’s reactions to this innovative approach. By intertwining elements of linguistics and literary criticism, Crystal provides a comprehensive look at the intersection of language and performance, making this edition a valuable resource for those interested in Shakespeare, phonetics, and historical linguistics.
Official synopsis Publisher
How did Shakespeare’s plays sound when they were originally performed? How can we know, and could the original pronunciation ever be recreated? For three days in June 2004 Shakespeare’s Globe presented their production of Romeo and Juliet in original, Shakespearian pronunciation. In an unusual blend of autobiography, narrative, and academic content, reflecting the unique nature of the experience, this 2005 book by David Crystal recounts the first attempt in over 50 years to mount a full-length Shakespeare play in original pronunciation. Crystal begins by discussing the Globe theatre’s approach to ‘original practices’, which has dealt with all aspects of Elizabethan stagecraft – except pronunciation. A large section is devoted to the nature of the Early Modern English sound system. There are reports of how the actors coped with the task of learning the pronunciation, how it affected their performances and how the audiences reacted.
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