Unworthy Scaffold, An

Alternative title: Theatre in Shakespeare’s Time, The
Synopsis: Traces the development of the English theatre from the miracle and morality plays of the Middle Ages, then illustrates the design of the Elizabethan theatre. Burbage’s Theatre was built in 1576 at Shoreditch, as a permanent playhouse. Later came Shakespeare’s Globe, ‘an unworthy scaffold’, the quintessence of the Elizabethan theatre. The multiple uses of the platform stage are demonstrated in scenes from Macbeth and from a boisterous jig of the kind often given at the end of performances.
Language: English
Country: Great Britain
Medium: Film; Video
Technical information: Colour / Sound
Year of release: 1972
Duration: 20 mins
Availability: Out of UK Distribution (2005)

Director

Piers Jessop

Producer

John Seabourne

Writer

John Seabourne; Piers Jessop

Cast

Production type: Documentary/Educational/News
Subjects: Drama
Keywords: Shakespeare, William (1564-1616); stage design; theatre history; Elizabethan stage

Notes: The film is available from the Phoenix Learning Group on VHS and DVD under the title THE THEATER IN SHAKESPEARE’S TIME.

Name: National Education Video Library
Contact: John Lovell
Email: tryfannevl@aol.com
Phone: 01286 676001 or 07768 105467
Fax: 01286 676001
Address: Arfon House
Bontnewydd
Caernarvon
Gwynned
LL54 7UN
Notes: Formerly the National Audio Visual (Aids) Library. No longer holds 16mm material. Retains the negatives and copyright to the EFVA material, but have no viewing copies. Video only. (1/97) Alternative address might be Arfon House, Bontnewydd, Caernarvon, Gwynned LL54 7UN Telephone/Fax 01286 676001

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British Universities Film & Video Council