Changing Styles in Shakespeare

First published in 1981.

Each of Shakespeare’s plays is in a continuous state of development in performance. This book examines major changes whilst focusing on six plays in detail: Coriolanus, Measure for Measure, Troilus and Cressida, Henry V, Hamlet and Twelfth Night.

Changing Styles in Shakespeare looks at representative and key productions to trace the evolution of each play on today’s stage, illustrating how production changes relate to a changed perception of the play, and thus to shifts in social attitudes. It singles out the salient features of many productions, paying special attention to reviews and prompt books.