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Italicized stage directions

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Topic: Italicized stage directions

Posted By: 23cal
Subject: Italicized stage directions
Date Posted: 7/17/10 at 11:31am

What is the status of the italicized stage directions contained within parentheses in the script? I wouldn't consider abridging copyright laws by changing dialogue or characters, but my understanding is that the italicized stage directions within parentheses may have just been notations from an early production, are not necessarily a part of the script subject to copyright, and can be changed or disregarded. Can anyone provide insight on this matter? Would love to have a source that addresses this in order to read the nuances if anyone could recommend a reference work.

Replies:

Posted By: DWolfman
Date Posted: 7/17/10 at 12:13pm

An interesting read for you by Dr. Michael Devine, PHD U of Toronto:

http://www.michaeldevine.org/academia/pdfs/acting/ApproachesToActingStageDirections.pdf - http://www.michaeldevine.org/academia/pdfs/acting/ApproachesToActingStageDirections.pdf

To quote part of the last paragraph:

Often, directions are added, by the playwright, by editors, by the play’s first producers, to add clarity for the reader. For the actors, all stage directions must be questioned. That’s the bottom line. Some will be kept and performed exactly as written; some will be discarded altogether; and the majority will remain as useful, changeable guides to interpretation.

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Even a man who is pure of heart...

Posted By: 23cal
Date Posted: 7/18/10 at 6:54pm

Thank you so much! That is perfect!

Posted By: JoeMc
Date Posted: 7/18/10 at 8:40pm

This may or may not help you?
http://www.blue-room.org.uk/wiki/Defining_the_Stage - Defining the Stage

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