Shakespeare's Theater: Origins and Evolution

Summary

In this video, Dr. Newman explores the origins of medieval and Renaissance English theater, highlighting both popular and elite theatrical traditions that influenced Shakespeare's works. He discusses folk-based forms such as morality plays, mystery plays, mummers shows, and Commedia dell'arte, as well as the elite forms like ancient Greek and Roman theater and court masques. The video delves into the cultural impact of these forms on the development of English theater, emphasizing the transition from religious performances to the more classical and secular styles of the late 1500s, culminating in the rise of professional theater companies and iconic venues like the Globe Theatre.

Takeaways

• 😀 The origins of medieval and Renaissance English theater are rooted in both popular and elite forms of theater, influencing the works of playwrights like Shakespeare.
• 😀 Popular theater forms included morality plays, mystery plays, mummers shows, and Commedia dell'arte, which were rooted in folk traditions and community participation.
• 😀 Morality plays, such as 'Everyman', were allegorical performances that depicted virtues and vices, teaching moral and religious lessons.
• 😀 Mystery plays, often performed by craft guilds during religious festivals, depicted Bible stories and featured spectacle, music, and living tableaux.
• 😀 Mummers plays were rural, unscripted folk performances that evolved into traditions like trick-or-treating and parades.
• 😀 Commedia dell'arte, a form of improvisational theater originating in Italy, influenced Shakespeare's clown characters and stock figures like trickster servants.
• 😀 Elite theater forms included the revival of classical Greek and Roman theater, which was studied and performed in educational contexts like grammar schools.
• 😀 Court masks, a form of elite entertainment, combined music, costume, dance, and dramatic verse, influencing the aesthetic of Shakespearean theater.
• 😀 Shakespeare was influenced by ancient Greek and Roman plays, particularly in his use of stock characters, soliloquies, and the genres of tragedy and comedy.
• 😀 The construction of permanent theaters, such as the Globe Theater, was a key development in the professionalization of theater in the 1500s and 1600s.
• 😀 The rise of professional theater in the late 1500s led to the establishment of dedicated theaters outside of London’s city limits, notably in Southwark, where performances were held in a lively, free-spirited environment.

Q & A

What are the two main sources of influence for Shakespeare's theater discussed in the script?

The two main sources of influence for Shakespeare's theater are popular forms of theater (morality plays, mystery plays, Mummers shows, and Comedia Del Arte) and elite forms of theater (classical theater and Court masks).

How does the script describe 'popular forms of theater' in relation to Shakespeare's theater?

Popular forms of theater are those that are not associated with high art or education. They include morality plays, mystery plays, Mummers shows, and Comedia Del Arte. These forms were more grassroots and connected to folk traditions, offering cultural, moral, and sometimes religious education.

What is the main characteristic of morality plays as explained in the video?

Morality plays are characterized by allegory, where abstract concepts like virtues and vices are personified and interact in a narrative that conveys moral lessons. The script also connects these plays to the medieval idea of 'ars morendi' (the art of dying well).

What is the significance of the term 'mystery plays'?

The term 'mystery plays' refers to plays performed by guilds, not to mysterious plots. The word 'mystery' comes from 'misterium,' which means 'guild.' These plays were typically based on biblical stories and were performed by community groups during religious festivals.

What role did 'Mummers shows' play in shaping English theater?

Mummers shows were unscripted folk performances that focused on costumes, dance, and spontaneous actions. These performances influenced the use of physical comedy and improvised scenes in early English theater, and their influence is seen in modern traditions like trick-or-treating and parades.

How did the classical theater contribute to Shakespeare's work?

Classical theater, particularly Greek and Roman theater, contributed to Shakespeare's work by providing a foundation of genre, including tragedy and comedy, and themes like mistaken identities, complex plots, and the use of grand speeches and soliloquies. Shakespeare also drew on classical stock characters and dramatic conventions.

What were 'Court masks,' and how did they influence early English theater?

Court masks were elaborate performances popular among the elite, where participants would dress as mythological or allegorical figures. These performances involved music, dance, and dramatic verse, influencing Shakespeare's plays through their fusion of spectacle, costume, and dramatic presentation.

What is the historical significance of the 'Globe Theater' as described in the script?

The Globe Theater is historically significant as a symbol of the transition from wandering theater troupes to permanent theater buildings. It was built outside the city limits of London, in Southwark, where theater and other entertainments like bear baiting were allowed. It represents the culmination of the mingling of classical influences with popular forms of theater.

How did 'wandering troupes of actors' contribute to the development of Elizabethan theater?

Wandering troupes of actors, who performed in town squares, tavern yards, or at royal courts, helped spread theatrical traditions throughout England. They contributed to the evolution of Elizabethan theater by developing acting skills and refining theatrical practices before establishing permanent venues like the Globe Theater.

Why were 'mystery plays' and 'morality plays' outlawed during the Protestant Reformation?

Mystery plays and morality plays were outlawed during the Protestant Reformation because they were seen as too Catholic. The religious nature of these plays, which often depicted biblical stories or emphasized Christian morality, conflicted with the Protestant reforms under rulers like Edward VI and Elizabeth I.