Act Division and The Spanish Tragedy.

This article examines the structure of Thomas Kyd's play, "The Spanish Tragedy," and the division of acts in early printed texts. The original version of the play had four acts, but there is speculation that an act-break may have been omitted. The article explores the dilemma faced by modern editors in deciding whether to adhere to the original structure or conform to the five-act standard. It also raises questions about the significance of play structure and the relationship between performance and the presentation of drama in print. The article suggests that the division of acts may have been influenced by the performance venue and lighting technology of the time. It argues that dividing plays into acts misrepresents the amphitheatre tradition and prioritizes classical dramatic structure over the original performance conditions. The article also delves into the editorial decisions involved in restructuring plays for modern editions and the implications for conveying a play's historical theatrical context to contemporary readers. It concludes by posing inquiries about how readers in the past experienced drama on the page and how modern editions can effectively convey a play's theatricality. [Extracted from the article]