Shakespeare's Accents: Voicing Identity in Performance (Hardcover) (ISBN-13: 9781108429627)

Voices and accents are increasingly perceived as central markers of identity in Shakespearean performance. This book presents a history of the reception of Shakespeare on the English stage with a focus on the vocal dimensions of theatrical performance. The chapters identify key moments when English accents have caused controversy, if not public outrage. Sonia Massai examines the cultural connotations associated with different accents and how accents have catalysed concerns about national, regional and social identities that are (re)constituted in and through Shakespearean performance. She argues that theatre makers and reformers, elocutionists and historical linguists, as well as directors, actors and producers have all had a major impact on how accents have evolved and changed on the Shakespearean stage over the last four hundred years. This fascinating book offers a rich historical survey alongside close performance analysis.

Author: Sonia Massai
ISBN-10: 1108429629
ISBN-13: 9781108429627
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Language: English
Published: 04/09/2020
Pages: 239
Format: Hardcover
Weight: 1.10lbs
Size: 9.10h x 6.50w x 0.60d

Review Citation(s):
Choice 07/01/2021