Look About You: A critical edition

Ash, Cassandra Kay (2015). Look About You: A critical edition. University of Birmingham. Ph.D.

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Abstract

This is a critical edition of the unattributed Admiral’s Men comedy \(Look\) \(About\) \(You\), first published in 1600. The playtext has been treated according to standard editing practice: spelling and punctuation modernized, scene divisions imposed, and changes to the text collated. Full critical apparatus, including textual commentary and an expository introduction, accompanies the play. This edition views the text as a practical theatrical document, looking to performative and stageable choices first, and to thematic, stylistic, and generic influences second. The introduction is framed as a series of contextual narratives, applying methodologies from attribution and repertory studies to discuss the possibilities of authorship and date of composition. Once situated in its repertorial context (plays written for the performance at the Rose theatre between 1598-1600), the introductory matter interprets adaptation of source texts, verbal influences from contemporary drama and non-dramatic literature, and generic trends to determine a probable date of composition in 1599. The emphasis is on understanding how \(Look\) \(About\) \(You\) interacts within contemporary dramatic works and how it functions as a piece meant for performance. Sections of the introduction examine these more practical aspects through dramaturgical structure, staging conditions, casting and doubling requirements, and an extended editorial practices section.

Type of Work:

Thesis (Doctorates > Ph.D.)

Award Type:

Doctorates > Ph.D.

Supervisor(s):