2. American—Forrest, the elder and younger Booth, Barrett, Ada Rehan, Mansfield, Sothern, and Marlowe.
3. The Theater at Stratford-on-Avon—Description of it with views. Story of some of the famous presentations given there. Differences between these and those of Shakespeare's own time.
4. Discussion of the Question of Stage Settings—Was that of Shakespeare's time better, with no scenery, and all the effect lying in the meaning of the lines; or is the method of to-day preferable with its elaborate, costly, and spectacular scenery and stage effects? Describe the change in stage ideas due to the invention of the electric light.
5. Description of Plays Seen—Brief statements by the club members of the Shakespearean representations they have witnessed, with an analysis of their impressions of plays and of actors.
Books to Consult—Sidney Lee: Shakespeare and the Modern Stage. Percy Fitzgerald: Shakespearean Representation: Its Laws and Limits. Percy Fitzgerald: Romance of the English Stage. C. E. L. Wingate: Shakespeare's Heroes on the Stage. Also, Heroines.
Prepare in advance of this meeting a screen with old play-bills and photographs of famous actors, Forrest, Kean, Booth and others. Read from newspaper files the dramatic criticisms of the plays presented. Describe some of the famous theaters of America in past and present times. Close with a discussion of the personal attitude of the club members toward Shakespeare's plays as compared with those written to-day. Is there a Shakespearean affectation?
CHAPTER XIX
The Employments of Women
In arranging a year's program from this outline, have several meetings on the older occupations of women before bringing the study down to present times, when the work becomes more varied. The first five topics may be made very interesting if there are readings from histories of the Middle Ages on the work of women at that time. Where possible, clubs should make trips to museums or libraries and examine work exhibited there.