Black stage for tragedies refers to the custom of draping the stage in black when tragedies were performed. Another allusion to this custom is found in the first part of Henry VI.
SHOWS.
Or to turn white and swoon at tragic shows.
Lover’s Complaint, line 308.
RICHARD II
ACTOR. THEATRE. STAGE. ENTERS.
As in a theatre the eyes of men,
After a well grac’d actor leaves the stage,
Are idly bent on him that enters next,
Thinking his prattle to be tedious.