About this book
In this collection of essays the author gives us an opportunity to peek into the mysterious life of the theatre; she recalls her numerous conversations with and anecdotes about the "stage folk", such as actors, actresses, playwrights, stage directors or managers. However, her portrayal of theatrical life doesn't aim at glamorising the profession and the day-to-day life of those connected with the stage. On the contrary, if there's one overarching theme to her stories it is the repeated assurance that it's a hard and precarious existence, even for those at the top of the profession, let alone those who play minor parts and are rarely mentioned. (summary by Piotr Nater)
Chapters (19)
1 The Glamour of the Stage
2 Cradled in the Theatre
3 Theatrical Folk
4 Plays and Playwrights
5 The Army and the Stage
6 Designing the Dresses
7 Supper on the Stage
8 Madame Sarah Bernhardt
9 An Historical First Night
10 Opera Comic
11 The First Pantomime Rehearsal
12 Sir Henry Irving and Stage Lighting
13 Why a Novelist Becomes a Dramatist
14 Scene-Painting and Choosing a Play
15 Theatrical Dressing-Rooms
16 How Does a Man Get on the Stage?
17 A Girl in the Provinces
18 Perils of the Stage
19 Chorus Girl Number II on the Left
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