Pictorial Shakespeare, 1880-1890 - eTheses Repository - University ...

208
the back a row of three rounded arches,, throu^,: wi.ich the
garden was seen. The ceiling oi the set (if there wts one)
is not apparent, and the downstage area seems to have been
completely fr^e of furniture or pillars, rs ii for a baliet.
This arrangement may hove been reflected ia the blocking of
the scene, for The Saterdov Review complained thet its "only
weakness* vas "the manner in which the quests and raaskeis Oo
apart and turn their backs that their host's cau^hter tnc
the pilgrim may be undisturbed" (B November). Clement dcott,
in T.ae Daily Tele^rapy. ijlt the t the scene had been overproduced
:
The entrance of Romeo, his moody cio.-joction end
cepression, his unsatisfied love for Rosaline,
the banter of Mercutio ana his friends, his fir-t
introduction to Juliet, the instant s^mpcthy of
t..o hitherto isol: teo hearts - the very points
that Lite rt the interest of the play are lofet in
a maze of dancero, and maskers anu torches; of
restlessness, fever, and distracting movement until
we come to the absolute close of the first act.
which is as beautiful in icea as in execution*
Other revio j s dislikeo the costu es (TLe D^ > ,-.o) or the
music (The London Figaro), but r.iost acnitted ti.. t the sc-ne wes
v;ell-mr na i;_.uci. The choreography had been arrur in the scene, dcott iound her "seliconscious":
'**
,., .. »r?ssertivu iii hei steps antt demonstrative
iii he. attitudes, not the lively MO icon wane Grin.,
through th