"An examination of how the language backstage in English came to be so nautical, with side trips into changes in naval architecture in Venice in the late 16th century and in England in the 1860s."

It is well known that Venetian theatre evolved as it did only because of the exceptional circumstances of naval skill and craftsmanship within both the Arsenale and Venice itself.

So, we’re delighted to endorse Peter McKinnon’s excellent new book exploring this relationship between the sea and the stage, or rather the sailors and shipbuilders and their critical role in developing the early stage machinery, which meant the first theatres evolved as they did, precisely because it originated in Venice. 

The book explores a central theme of the project: the research, restoration and preservation of the skills and practices of the great Venetian artisans, be it with wood (stage machinery), glass (lighting), painting (scene-sets), fabrics (costumes), to name but a few. For our part, the project will work directly with the trade associations to bring those endangered skills of the artisan professions back into the theatre and in so doing offer opportunities to the Venetian youth to take these skills forward to future generations. Peter’s research will be of huge value in this process.

Here's the link to the bookstore