Producing Period Plays

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23037, 14 May 1938, Page 4 (Supplement)

Producing Period Plays

"CHAKESPEAREAX COSTUME FOR STAGE AND 'SCREEN" is not a book about the costumes worn on the Shakespearean stage, nor vet about the correct "historical" costuming of the Shakespeare plays. It is a detailed study, bv Britain's leading costume authority, of civil and military costume lor the period 1560-1620. As alwavs, the author, Mr. F. M. Kelly, is thorough, clear and forceful, arranging all his material so that it can be used for reference with the utmost ease and rapiditv. Difficulties and problems of nomenclature, cut, date, merely add zest to his unflagging pursuit of fact. His comprehensiveness does not lead mm into undue length; and ones only regret is that his plan—or his publisher's requirements—did not permit of the inclusion of a section dealing with ecclesiastical costume. Tho utility of the book is manifestly not restricted to the Shakespeare plays, and many producers find themselves at a loss if presented with anything more ambitious than the usual collection of friars, monks, nuns and cardinals in this particular period. Not only in his chapter "On tho 'Nice Conduct' of Period Costume" but throughout tho book Mr. Kelly has much profitable advice to give on the wearing of individual garments and the proper use of accessories such as hats and gloves. His remarks on these subjects should be read by every young actor, actress and producer who aspires to handle period plays. Tho book is well illustrated with nine plates and 93 line-drawings. Of their usefulness and accuracy it is unnecessary to speak. That they are Mr. Kelly's choice is their sufficient guarantee. "Shakespearean Costume for Stago and Screen," by F. 11. Kelly. (Black.)