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The Shakespeare Conference: SHK 16.1954  Sunday, 27 November 2005

From: 		Scot Zarela <goscot@envirocitizen.com>
Date: 		Saturday, 26 Nov 2005 09:57:58 -0800
Subject: 16.1923 Empty stage?
Comment: 	Re: SHK 16.1923 Empty stage?

The juncture of Prospero's exit and re-entrance doesn't require a void 
stage even for a moment.  Before he exits, he is not alone:  at least 
Ariel is with him, and possibly other spirits.  He commands, "Follow me, 
and do me service," at which point, as master, it would be suitable for 
him to leave first:  then Ariel (and other spirits, if present) would 
follow, still performing as they depart.  This need not be very much 
performance in an absolute sense, but it can still be enough to give 
Prospero time to change, off-scene, into his magic robes, and re-enter, 
perhaps inconspicuously, through another door.  When the spirits have 
concluded their departure, Prospero could then reveal himself and begin 
Act V.

-- Scot

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