History of the Elizabethan Theater

2041 Words5 Pages
bulb-icon

Recommended: Theater in Elizabethan times

The Elizabethan era, in the 1600s, was a great period of progress in the world of theater. The period was named after Queen Elizabeth I of England. It is from this period that the modern day society has its foundation for the entertainment industry. From the violence that occurred through the aftermath of the Black Death, people turned to the theater for its wide variety of performances. Many aspects of the theater in the Elizabethan time period led to the way the theater works today. Actors and playwrights had to overcome strenuous times, but as time passed the theater became more accepted and a required part of society in the Elizabethan Era.

In spite of its popularity, the Elizabethan theater attracted criticism, censorship, and was ridiculed from some spectators of English society. Puritan leaders as well as officers of the Church of England considered actors to be of questionable character. Not only did they criticize actors, but they also judged playwrights for using the stage to advertise their irreverent opinions. At times throughout the sixteenth century, Parliament censored plays for profanity, heresy, or politics. Their ultimate goal was to shut down the theater so playwrights wouldn’t “manipulate” their audiences. But Queen Elizabeth and later King James offered protections that ultimately allowed the theater to survive. To appease Puritan and Parliament’s concerns, the Queen established rules to control the production of theaters. These rules prohibited the construction of theaters and theatrical performances within the London city limits. Even though the Queen set these rules, they were loosely enforced, however, and playhouses such as the Curtain, the Globe, the Rose, and the Swan was constructed just outsid...

... middle of paper ...

...he dogs back because they proved to be more trouble then it was worth (Larque, 2001.)

Works Cited

The Black Death. (n.d.). Retrieved April 22, 2014, from Black Death website:

http://www.lordsandladies.org/black-death.htm

Elizabethan Actors. (n.d.). Retrieved April 3, 2014, from Elizabethan Era

website: http://www.elizabethan-era.org.uk/elizabethan-actors.htm

Gurr, Andrew. "The Elizabethan Theater." EXPLORING Shakespeare. Detroit: Gale,

2003. Student Resources in Context. Web. 7 Apr. 2014.

Harrison, G. B. (1956). Elizabethan Plays and Players. The University of

Michigan Press.

Jackson, S. (1978). Costumes for the Stage. London, England: The Herbert Press

Ltd.

Larque, T. (2001). Elizabethan Theatre. Retrieved April 3, 2014, from

Shakespeare and his Critics website: http://shakespearean.org.uk/

elizthea1.htm

Show More
Related

  • Performers in Eighteenth Century British Theatre

    1572 Words  | 4 Pages

    Eighteenth century British theatre was perhaps the starting point that would evolve into modern theatre. Women started to be allowed on stage and acting techniques were beginning to change. Leading performers were like celebrities with a number of fans. Theatre was an intricate part of the social ladder. In the overall scheme of things the actors and actresses played an important part in making the theatre what it was. Without the performers there wouldn’t really be theatre, so in order to understand the eighteenth century British theatre the performers of that era need to be understood.

    Read More

  • Sports In The Elizabethan Era

    549 Words  | 2 Pages

    The Elizabethan Era was a time marked in English history by the reign of Queen Elizabeth I. Historians often refer to it as the golden age in English history. During the Elizabethan era there were many different sports that were played and watched and they formed much of Elizabethan entertainment, especially for the nobility. A few sports that were played were football, wrestling, and bear and bull baiting. Football, wrestling, and bear and bull baiting were all immensely popular sports during the Elizabethan times.

    Read More

  • Different Reactions of a Modern and Elizabethan Audience to Othello

    628 Words  | 2 Pages

    In the Elizabethan era, many of the issues Shakespeare included in his plays were socially accepted by the audience. In contrast these issues are in large not accepted in today's modern society.

    Read More

  • Research Paper On Elizabethan Architecture

    847 Words  | 2 Pages

    The Elizabethan era was an era of art above all else. Elegance reflected in all areas of the peoples’ lives. From the entertainment and language to the churches and castles, beauty shone bright.There were many vents for artistic creativity during the Elizabethan era; countless instruments, painting, books, playwright, and last but not by any stretch the least, architecture. Elizabethan architecture has a vast amount of variety and personality, the buildings reflected the pride of both the inhabitants and the builders.

    Read More

  • Raisin In The Sun Vs Hamlet

    506 Words  | 2 Pages

    In each and every culture theater exists. However, they are not always portrayed in the same way and could take up many different forms. What differ them from others is influenced by the convention of what governs them. What happen on stage depends on the conventions of the theater. Convention is define as “Rules governing a given style of theater, such as fourth-wall verisimilitude or bare stage. These rule should not be violated, but often are, as when actors “break” the fourth wall by delivering a line directly toward the audience” (Altshuler and Janaro 208). The condition governing the staging and performance are known as theatrical conventions, in which what the audiences agree to accept as what is real (Altshuler and Janaro 173). In comparing an Elizabethan and a modern theater to each other there are many differences and similarities between the two. By comparing William Shakespeare “Hamlet” to Lorraine Hansberry “A Raisin in the Sun”, we can see that there is a major difference between the two

    Read More

  • Technical Theater During the Restoration Lighting and Scenic Design England 1660-1800

    4810 Words  | 10 Pages

    The Restoration in England was an era ripe for the development of new ideas in the arts. The return of the Stuart monarchy under Charles II marked the end of eighteen years of almost dictatorial control by Oliver Cromwell and his Puritan parliament. Cromwell had campaigned actively to halt all theatrical activity. In the end, however, his laws were actually responsible for helping move England forward in theatrical history. Actors, under Cromwell's laws, were to be apprehended a rogues if they were caught "in the act" so to speak of performing their trade. Some left their careers and sought employment elsewhere. Most, however, remained undaunted by parliament's threats. Productions continued quietly in tennis courts, inns and private houses. Officials were bribed to keep silent their knowledge of violations. The theater in England had moved indoors as it had already done in France and Italy. Although the reasons for the move were different, the end result was the same. Up until this time plays had always been performed outdoors in the early afternoon. Performances traditionally relied on sunlight, natural scenery, and minimal set pieces that could be easily transported from one location to another. Indoor productions required something much more elaborate. The preliminary concepts of scenic design and lighting design began to form in England in the late 1650's. During the Restoration, as controls were lifted, technical theater began to flourish. Many early examples of modern stage techniques were born between 1660 and 1800, making the Restoration a significant era in the history of scenic design and lighting for the theater. The art of scenic design did not begin in England. As early as 1570 the Italians were giving elaborate opera performances in the ducal courts using perspective scenes and various types of stage machinery. The French mimicked the design ideas of the Italian's and gave them a name, la scene a l'italienne. (Southern 221) Although Cromwell had banned public theater, opera was still considered a lawful art form. In England, just prior to the Restoration, John Webb designed the scenery for William D'avenant's 'opera' production of The Siege of Rhodes.

    Read More

  • Ophelia's Fennel Symbolism In Hamlet

    1764 Words  | 4 Pages

    "Elizabethan Theatre Audiences." Elizabethan Theatre Audiences. Strayer University, 16 May 2012. Web. 24 Mar. 2014.

    Read More

  • Daily Life And Holidays During The Elizabethan Era

    504 Words  | 2 Pages

    The Elizabethan Era was a Golden Age for the English people during the late 1500s and early 1600s. This time period is referred to as the English Renaissance because new ideas were introduced to Elizabethan daily life. People enjoyed learning; they enjoyed art, culture, music, and food. The people also enjoyed celebrating many customs and festivals. These celebrations became a major part of daily life, and there were many customs to celebrate.

    Read More

  • Dramatic Censorship in Renaissance England

    1607 Words  | 4 Pages

    middle of paper ... ... Over the next decade, attempts to revive performances were made but this edict practically closed theaters, marking the end of Elizabethan drama. Bibliography:..

    Read More

  • Differences Between Medieval Theatre And Medieval Ans Renaissance

    1548 Words  | 4 Pages

    During the mid 14th century, the black plague was running rampant. The church, being a state of God, did not know how to cure these people, causing those who came to them in need, asking why God was killing their family and friends, to become disillusioned. This caused many to turn away from the church, and look inwards instead, leading to the hugely influencial humanist movement. It was through these changes within their society that theatre was able to change and blossom into an act of freedom, a means in which society and state could be critiqued, a way to bring their viewers some escape from their hard laberous

    Read More

  • Elizabethan Theater

    621 Words  | 2 Pages

    Elizabethan times in the 1600s was a progression for the world of the theater. A period named after Queen Elizabeth I of England, it is from this period that modern day society has its foundation for the entertainment industry. From the violence that was prevalent because of the Black Death, people turned to the theater for its poetry and romance. During this time period, there were two types of theatrical performances that were available for the people’s viewing, comedies or tragedies. These two genres were never really intertwined until the time of William Shakespeare. His play, Romeo and Juliet, is an example of both a comedy and a tragedy. It starts off as a comedy with Romeo weeping like a baby because of his love Rosaline, who did not love him back and ends as a tragedy when Romeo and Juliet, a pair of star crossed lovers, commit suicide because the lost of each other. It was also during Shakespeare’s time that writer were finally acknowledged by the people. Before this time, writers were not considered upper classman. Another group of people that began to rise into a higher social class were the actors. Actresses were not present back then because women were not allowed on stage. It was considered unladylike to have a female actor. Men played all the parts. Theater owners were dependent on actors to make them a profit. Rehearsals for the plays were fairly short, only lasting for about a week. The performances themselves would only show for three to four days.

    Read More

  • Greek and Elizabethan Theatre

    912 Words  | 2 Pages

    The name most associated with excellence in theatre is William Shakespeare. His plays, more than any other playwright, resonate through the ages. It may be safe to say that he has influenced more actors, directors, and playwrights than any thespian in the history of the stage. But what were his influences? During the Middle Ages theatre was dominated by morality, miracle, and mystery plays that were often staged by the church as a means to teach the illiterate masses about Christianity. It wasn’t until the early sixteenth century that Greek tragedy experienced a revival, in turn, inspiring a generation of renaissance playwrights.

    Read More

  • Drama throughout the Ages

    729 Words  | 2 Pages

    ... the Renaissance and Elizabethan age to build upon it. The medieval age saw the return of theater in the Church but would become increasingly secularized as theater expanded and matured. However the Church was instrumental in bringing about the return of drama in the medieval age which is what this time period is most remembered for. The change in the language from Latin to the vernacular and the development of costumes and props were major contributions that aided the expansion of the theater as well. No props, language, or costume has had a bigger impact on theater than one person, William Shakespeare. He is the most influential single figure in the entire history of drama and will always be remembered for his fantastic works. The theater has been influenced by countless elements and playwrights that have all contributed to the modern theater that is around today.

    Read More

  • Literature During The Elizabethan Era Essay

    1514 Words  | 4 Pages

    The Elizabethan Era was known as the Golden Age in England’s history when literature flourished under the rule of Queen Elizabeth I. Many different things contributed to the growth of literature during this era. The first thing was the Renaissance which changed peoples views on literature and influence them to invent new techniques for literature. The Protestant Revolution and the defeat of the Spanish Armada influenced what the authors during this time period were writing about. Lastly, the Elizabethan Era gave birth to three of the most renowned and remembered authors William Shakespeare, Edmund Spenser, and Christopher Marlowe. All of these authors were influenced by the Elizabethan Era and then went on to influence other time periods and eras with their literary works, such as poems, dramas, and plays. The Elizabethan Era was very influential to literature.

    Read More

  • The Elizabethan Age

    787 Words  | 2 Pages

    The Elizabethan age was a very important time in the history of England. The time period is named after the queen who ruled England during this time, Queen Elizabeth I (Haigh). This time was a great time for the advancement of England, as they were ushered out of the Middle Ages, and into this new era. While there were many hardships, and plague was a common occurrence, the people lived a much more comfortable life than they ever had before (Jonson). Many great accomplishments were also achieved, including Sir Francis Drake’s circumnavigation around the world, which was only the second time it had ever been done, and the victory of the British navy over the Spanish Armada (Haigh). Another one of the things that affected the Elizabethan age so greatly was the theater.

    Read More

More about History of the Elizabethan Theater

Open Document