Timing Theatrical Action in the English Medieval Theatre

This paper examines the nature and role of timed action in the English medieval theatre. Analysis of the phenomenon is conducted through the explicit stage direction and conditioned by the needs of the performer. Notions of 'instantaneousness', 'simultaneity', readiness', and requirements 'to wait' as contained in explicit stage directions are investigated. The relationship between timed action and staging conventions is discussed through requirements for 'stillness', 'silence', 'waiting' and 'walking about the place'. Additionally, the relationship between 'acting' and 'not acting' as witnessed by an audience is also discussed