The Emergence of Elizabethan ' Romantic ' Drama

Summary

This video explores the development of Elizabethan drama, examining the sociopolitical context, the rise of playhouses, and the influence of key playwrights like Shakespeare. Initially, playhouses were built outside city limits due to law and order concerns, but some private theaters catered to wealthy audiences. The establishment of professional theater companies, such as Shakespeare's Lord Chamberlain's Men, marked a pivotal moment in the history of English drama. The era ushered in a shift away from classical influences, establishing a unique English literary tradition. This period is celebrated as the golden age of English literature, shaping the future of drama worldwide.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Elizabethan era saw the emergence of public and private playhouses, marking the birth of professional theater in England.
• 😀 City councils initially opposed playhouses due to concerns over law and order, leading to the construction of theaters outside city limits.
• 😀 The first major public playhouses outside London included the Fortune (1587), Swan (1591), Globe (1599), Red Bull (1605), and Hope (1614).
• 😀 Playhouses were heavily funded by wealthy patrons who also owned the land and the theaters, while actors' wages were not always adequate.
• 😀 Private playhouses like Paul's Boys (1576-84) and Blackfriars (early 1600s) catered to wealthier, select audiences within the city limits.
• 😀 Social class differences played a role in the division between public and private playhouses, as the wealthy avoided mingling with the lower classes.
• 😀 Playhouses outside city limits were more successful in avoiding conflicts with the city council over law and order issues.
• 😀 The Lord Chamberlain's Men, Shakespeare's company, helped professionalize acting and theater, becoming one of the most famous companies of the era.
• 😀 The Elizabethan period was a turning point in English drama, as it moved away from classical traditions and developed a native English tradition.
• 😀 The golden age of English literature during the Elizabethan era is often seen as a time when world literature also flourished, with Shakespeare at the forefront.

Q & A

What were the reasons playhouses were initially built outside city limits in Elizabethan England?

Playhouses were initially built outside the city limits to avoid conflicts with city councils over law and order issues. The local authorities feared that large gatherings at playhouses would lead to disturbances.

What is the significance of the playhouses like Fortune Rose, Swan, Globe, Red Bull, and Hope?

These playhouses were major venues for theatrical performances in Elizabethan England. They played a key role in the development of public theatre, with the Globe Theatre, for example, becoming famously associated with Shakespeare's plays.

How were the actors in Elizabethan theatres compensated for their work?

Actors were generally not paid well for their performances, but their living costs were covered by wealthy patrons who funded the playhouses. Some actors also had partial ownership in the playhouses themselves.

What was the role of wealthy patrons in the success of playhouses during the Elizabethan era?

Wealthy patrons funded the construction and operation of playhouses, and their financial support allowed theatre companies to thrive. They also provided actors with a livelihood, even though actors were not paid substantial wages.

Why did some playhouses operate privately within the city limits, and how did this affect their audiences?

Private playhouses were built within city limits to cater to wealthier audiences, often due to class differences. These venues were exclusive and faced conflicts with the city council due to crowd management and law enforcement issues.

What were some examples of private playhouses within the city, and what challenges did they face?

Examples of private playhouses within the city included Paul's Boys (1576–84) and Blackfriars (early 1600s). These playhouses faced challenges with the city council, particularly over large crowds and the law and order issues that arose from them.

What impact did Shakespeare’s company, the Lord Chamberlain's Men, have on the professionalization of theatre?

Shakespeare’s company, the Lord Chamberlain's Men (later the King's Men), played a crucial role in making theatre a more professional pursuit, elevating acting and playwrighting to a respected form of livelihood in England.

How did the establishment of playhouses influence the development of English drama?

The establishment of playhouses allowed for the growth of a distinct English theatrical tradition. This marked a departure from classical drama, with English playwrights incorporating native elements and styles into their work.

How did the socio-political elements of the Elizabethan era contribute to the emergence of romantic drama?

Socio-political elements such as the rise of professional theatre companies, the patronage system, and the growing popularity of plays among different social classes contributed to the emergence of Elizabethan romantic drama.

Why is the Elizabethan period considered a golden era in literature, both in England and globally?

The Elizabethan period is considered a golden era due to the flourishing of English literature, particularly theatre, with Shakespeare's contributions being central to its international recognition. It marked a high point in literary achievement that influenced world literature for centuries.