For this updated edition of Twelfth Night, Penny Gay has written a wholly new Introduction to this well-loved Shakespearean comedy. She stresses the play's theatricality, its elaborate linguistic games and its complex use of Ovidian myths. She analyses the play's delicate balance between romance and realism and its exploration of gender, sexuality and identity. In examining the stage history, Professor Gay suggests that contemporary critical theory could have much to offer twenty-first-century directors and actors. An updated reading list completes the edition.
About The New Cambridge Shakespeare Series The New Cambridge Shakespeare is an edition of Shakespeare's works, consisting of a separate volume for each play, and a volume each for the Sonnets and the narrative poems. The texts have been prepared by an international team of the very best scholars, who provide in each case a freshly-considered and modernised text, a substantial introduction and commentary at the foot of the page. The series pays particular attention to the play in performance, commenting on the stage action and offering a performance history with illustrations. It is aimed at students of Shakespeare from A level or its equivalent, and onwards, including undergraduates, graduates and teachers.
An international team of scholars offers:
modernized, easily accessible texts
ample commentary and introductions
attention to the theatrical qualities of each play and its stage history
informative illustrations
Contents
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List of Illustrations Preface to First Edition Preface Abbreviations and Conventions Introduction Date and early performances The play's sources Imaginary geography and stage space Puritans and clowns Time, chance and the poetry of romance Myths and metamorphosis Narcissus Echo Twins Gender, sexuality and the stage Language Riddles Music Critical fashions Stage history 'Autumnal' Twelfth Nights Non-traditional productions Note on the Text List of Characters