Antiquated stage direction (6) - Crossword Clue
Answer: EXEUNT
Understanding EXEUNT in Modern Theater
- EXEUNT is a Latin theatrical term meaning "they exit," used as a stage direction to indicate multiple actors leaving the stage simultaneously.
- This antiquated stage direction, consisting of 6 letters, remains one of the most recognizable commands in classical drama, particularly in Shakespearean plays and other Renaissance-era theatrical works.
- The word derives from the Latin verb "exire," meaning "to go out," with EXEUNT being the third-person plural present active indicative form.
- While modern productions often replace this term with simpler English directions like "all exit" or "they leave," EXEUNT continues to appear in original texts and traditional stagings of classic plays.
Why EXEUNT Remains Relevant in Theater Education
- Drama schools worldwide still teach Latin stage directions as fundamental theatrical literacy.
- Understanding EXEUNT helps students analyze classical texts, appreciate historical staging conventions, and recognize how theater communication has evolved over four centuries.
- Professional actors encounter EXEUNT regularly when performing classical repertory.
- Directors of period plays expect cast members to recognize and respond to these traditional cues without explanation, making knowledge of antiquated stage terminology professionally valuable.
Antiquated stage direction (6) - 7 Little Words - FAQs
Q:How do you pronounce EXEUNT?
EXEUNT is pronounced "EX-ee-unt" with emphasis on the first syllable. The Latin pronunciation differs slightly from English phonetics, though theatrical convention accepts various pronunciations.
Q:Is EXEUNT still used in modern plays?
Modern playwrights rarely use EXEUNT, preferring plain English directions. However, classical play revivals preserve the original Latin terminology.
Q:What does EXEUNT OMNES mean?
EXEUNT OMNES translates to "all exit," indicating every character on stage should leave simultaneously, typically marking the end of an act or scene.
Q:Why did Shakespeare use Latin for stage directions?
Latin served as the scholarly lingua franca during the Renaissance. Theater practitioners across Europe understood Latin terms, creating standardized theatrical communication.
Q:Can EXEUNT apply to a single actor?
No, EXEUNT specifically indicates plural departure. For single actors, the correct term is EXIT (he/she exits) or EXEAT (let him/her exit).Retry
