Tragic Carpet

The Concise Oxford Companion to the Theatre | 1996 | 507 words | Copyright

Tragic Carpet, green baize stage cloth which by the end of the 17th century was invariably spread over the stage before the performance of a tragedy, to prevent the actors from soiling their costumes when collapsing on the dusty boards. It continued in use until well into the 19th century, and is often referred to in theatrical memoirs and letters. Earlier mentions of permanent green cloth coverings, once thought to refer to the tragic carpet, are now believed to refer to the benches in the auditorium.

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PHYLLIS HARTNOLL and PETER FOUND. "Tragic Carpet." The Concise Oxford Companion to the Theatre. 1996. Encyclopedia.com. 30 May. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>.

PHYLLIS HARTNOLL and PETER FOUND. "Tragic Carpet." The Concise Oxford Companion to the Theatre. 1996. Encyclopedia.com. (May 30, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O79-TragicCarpet.html

PHYLLIS HARTNOLL and PETER FOUND. "Tragic Carpet." The Concise Oxford Companion to the Theatre. 1996. Retrieved May 30, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O79-TragicCarpet.html

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