Set Design and Stage

During the 17th Century, theatre productions tended to have little or set changes and normally a small set. The language of the production was used as a tool to establish where the action was taking place.

For Example:

LEONATO
      I learn in this letter that Don Peter of Arragon
      comes this night to Messina.

BENEDICK
     In my chamber-window lies a book: bring it hither
     to me in the orchard.

In both of these examples the characters from Much Ado About Nothing clearly state where they are in the scene. Thus the audience will understand where the action is taking place and the production can get away with a minimal set design.

Also, theatres during the 17th Century were constructed of wood and normally in a octagonal or circular shape. They had a large platform stage that jutted out into the audience in a thrust stage fashion. They would have also had a backstage area and entrances and exits for the performances. 




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CWU Library: Off Campus Login. Web. 08 Mar. 2011. <http://www.oxfordreference.com.ezp.lib.cwu.edu/views/ENTRY.html?entry=t79.e981&srn=9&ssid=122818237#FIRSTHIT>.