Footnotes

My recent experience working with the Lazarus Theatre Company allowed me to time travel four hundred years into the past. Our reading of The White Devil was intimate, and one that unfolded with a thoughtful, steady energy that invited everyone in. The focus settled naturally on the actors and the language, and that simplicity made the experience feel personal. It was a refreshing coming together of minds, experiences and perspectives to delve deeper into Webster's 17th century world.

What I appreciated most was the sense of shared discovery. As we worked through Webster’s dense, intricate text, you could hear small moments of humour or tension land in ways that felt alive. Vittoria’s trial scene, in particular, revealed layers of social pressure and gender politics, but also showcased a strong and intelligent woman. Similarly, Isabella was treated with scorn. She would not however, accept the the ill-treatment and her brave and beautiful spirit was felt throughout the play, even after her death.

The reading also opened space for a quiet but important reflection on racism - both in the play’s world and in the history of its performance. Some of Webster’s language carries assumptions and biases typical of the Jacobean era, and hearing those lines spoken aloud helped us understand the environment. It prompted a moment of collective awareness: a reminder that classical texts often reflect the prejudices of their time, and that part of engaging with them now is acknowledging those dynamics rather than smoothing them over.

For me, having the footnotes was especially helpful and insightful, as they connected real events, history, etymology and character inspirations with the world of the play.

The experience was enriching and gave me further appreciation of classical text thanks to the lively reading and detailed discussions.

Rita Estevanovich