Behind the Footlights

Ethel Brilliana Tweedie (1862 - 1940)

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)

Genre(s): Performing Arts

Language: English

Section Chapter Reader Time
Play 01 The Glamour of the Stage Teresa Spencer
00:36:05
Play 02 Cradled in the Theatre Teresa Spencer
00:42:48
Play 03 Theatrical Folk Teresa Spencer
00:46:11
Play 04 Plays and Playwrights Teresa Spencer
00:26:42
Play 05 The Army and the Stage Teresa Spencer
00:29:42
Play 06 Designing the Dresses Teresa Spencer
00:22:12
Play 07 Supper on the Stage Piotr Nater
00:38:21
Play 08 Madame Sarah Bernhardt Piotr Nater
00:34:31
Play 09 An Historical First Night Piotr Nater
00:20:09
Play 10 Opera Comic Piotr Nater
00:21:35
Play 11 The First Pantomime Rehearsal Piotr Nater
00:33:22
Play 12 Sir Henry Irving and Stage Lighting Piotr Nater
00:28:22
Play 13 Why a Novelist Becomes a Dramatist Piotr Nater
00:34:23
Play 14 Scene-Painting and Choosing a Play Piotr Nater
00:18:49
Play 15 Theatrical Dressing-Rooms Piotr Nater
00:26:16
Play 16 How Does a Man Get on the Stage? Piotr Nater
00:13:14
Play 17 A Girl in the Provinces Piotr Nater
00:34:41
Play 18 Perils of the Stage Piotr Nater
00:30:21
Play 19 Chorus Girl Number II on the Left Piotr Nater
00:17:28