Magic in the Web of Art

Synopsis

The programme, presented by Joe Barber, considers the importance of magical experience in A Midsummer Night’s Dream. It looks at a gnostic mass performed by a group in New York City and compares the role of magic today with the role of magic in Shakespeare’s society. The ‘folk’ magic and May Day rituals of the play are studied before moving to a study of scholarly magic and the role of the magus. The way magical thinking influenced Shakespeare’s use of theatre space is also considered. Finally looks at how the magician’s love of symbols is evident in the work of the artist Jasper Johns.

Series

Open University A101

Language

English

Country

Great Britain

Medium

Television

Technical information

Colour / Sound

Transmission details

12 Apr 1978

Duration

22:04

Credits

Producer

Paul Kafno

Contributor

Joe Barber

Additional Details

Production type

Documentary/Educational/News

Plays

Midsummer Night’s Dream, A

Subjects

Drama

Keywords

paintings; Shakespeare, William (1564-1616); magic

Notes

Notes

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Production Company

Name

BBC Open University Productions

Archive

Name

Open University Archive

Email

lib-help@open.ac.uk

Web

http://www.open.ac.uk External site opens in new window

Phone

+44 (0) 1908 659 001

Address

Library Services
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