It's such an odd phrase. I've heard it had "eschewing the scenery" (i.e., ignoring the production) as it's root, but I can't find anything to back that up.
Thoughts?
2006-10-06 15:46:35 · 3 answers · asked by mrmatt1476 3 in Arts & Humanities ➔ Performing Arts
When an actor's presence is all the viewer sees or notices, the actor has figuratively chewed or eaten the scenery away. This can be good or bad.
2006-10-11 13:36:32 · answer #1 · answered by Daniel J 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
That's one I don't know ... I knew about tormentor and green room origins and the 'why' of superstitions like whistling the in theater and the Scottish play.
I've not heard any good theories but always assumed it meant "he was over-acting to the point he went over and chewed on the scenery" or "everything except chewing the scenery", I suppose.
I like 'eschewing' a lot, ignoring the production and playing to the audience.
Merde!
2006-10-06 16:08:39 · answer #2 · answered by wrathofkublakhan 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Actually "chewing scenery" doesnt mean to overact, but rather to be a bit player. It comes from the fact that these bit players often stand upstage near the scenery and not downstage (where the leads often stand).
Mike
2006-10-08 17:59:50 · answer #3 · answered by Michael C 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋