The English Renaissance and NOT Shakespeare: Crash Course Theater #13

Summary

This script from Crash Course Theater explores the theater of Renaissance England, predating Shakespeare's era. It delves into the historical context, the development of English playhouses, and early playwrights. The video discusses the influence of morality plays and the emergence of professional actors, highlighting significant works like 'Ralph Roister Doister' and 'The Tragedie of Gorboduc.' It also covers the evolution of playhouses, from makeshift venues to permanent structures like The Theatre and the Globe, and introduces the University Wits, who paved the way for Shakespeare's dramatic legacy.

Takeaways

• 🎭 The Renaissance in England arrived much later than in Italy, about 150 years late, due to England's preoccupation with the Hundred Years' War and the Wars of the Roses.
• 👑 The Tudor dynasty played a significant role in promoting theater, with Henry VIII establishing an Office of the Revels to manage court entertainments.
• 🚫 Elizabeth I imposed restrictions on theater, including a ban on religious and political plays and classifying actors as vagabonds, which led to troupes associating with nobility for protection.
• 🎭 Early English Renaissance plays were influenced by classical works and morality plays but had a more episodic structure compared to the neoclassicism of Italy and France.
• 📚 'Ralph Roister Doister' and 'Gammer Gurton’s Needle' are examples of early vernacular comedies that predate the licensing of actors.
• 👑 'Cambises' and 'The Tragedie of Gorboduc' are early examples of mixed-genre plays and tragedies in English Renaissance theater, with the latter having parallels to 'King Lear'.
• 🏟️ Before the construction of permanent theaters, plays were performed in various spaces like gardens, banquet halls, and schools.
• 🦌 The Theatre, built by James Burbage in 1576, was an important Elizabethan playhouse that later became the Globe after a dispute with the landlord.
• 🍿 Public theaters were open-air and could accommodate a diverse audience, while indoor theaters like Blackfriars Theatre catered to a more affluent crowd.
• 👦 The absence of women on stage led to boys playing female roles, and stage settings were simple, relying on hanging cloths and props.
• 📝 The University Wits, including Thomas Kyd, John Lyly, Robert Greene, and Christopher Marlowe, were influential playwrights whose work laid the groundwork for Shakespeare's success.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the Crash Course Theater video script?

The main focus of the script is to explore the theater of Renaissance England, including its historical context, the English playhouse, and early plays and playwrights, with an emphasis on discussing aspects that existed independently of Shakespeare.

Why did the Renaissance arrive late in England compared to Italy?

The Renaissance arrived late in England due to the country being involved in the Hundred Years’ War with France and the Wars of the Roses, which caused instability and delayed the cultural and intellectual developments that characterized the Renaissance in Italy.

What role did the Tudor dynasty play in the development of theater in England?

The Tudor dynasty, particularly Henry VII and Henry VIII, played a significant role by supporting and promoting theater. They established an Office of the Revels and encouraged court entertainments, which helped theater to flourish during their reign.

What was the impact of Elizabeth I's crackdown on religious and political plays?

Elizabeth I's crackdown on religious and political plays ended the cycle plays and pushed theater in new, more innovative directions. It also led to the professionalization of actors, who had to team up with nobility and license themselves under noble names to avoid fines.

What are some characteristics of the earliest plays of the English Renaissance?

The earliest plays of the English Renaissance were comedies written in vernacular English, influenced by the works of Plautus and Terence, as well as morality plays and medieval farces. They were often looser and more episodic compared to the neoclassicism that was popular in Italy and France.

Who wrote 'Ralph Roister Doister' and what is it about?

'Ralph Roister Doister' was written by Nicholas Udall in the 1540s. It tells the story of a braggart character, Ralph, who falls in love with a virtuous widow, Christian Custance, and faces various comedic misadventures in his attempts to win her over.

What is the significance of 'The Tragedie of Gorboduc' in English Renaissance theater?

'The Tragedie of Gorboduc' is significant as it is the first tragedy on an English subject, written in blank verse, and influenced by both Seneca and elements of morality plays. It was first performed in 1561 and is considered a precursor to plays like 'King Lear'.

Why were permanent theaters not initially built in the City of London?

Permanent theaters were not initially built in the City of London because there was a belief that play-going spread plague. Plays and players were essentially outlawed in the city proper by the 1570s.

What was unique about the design of The Theatre built by James Burbage?

The Theatre was designed with a three-level gallery structure surrounding a thrust stage and an open space in the middle for penny-paying ticket holders. It borrowed its design from inn yards or bear-baiting pits, reflecting the entertainment options of the time.

What is the significance of the Blackfriars Theatre in the context of English Renaissance theater?

The Blackfriars Theatre was significant as the first indoor, private theater, catering to a more upscale audience. It seated about 750 people and was known for hosting plays that were considered wittier and more sophisticated.

Who were the University Wits and how did they contribute to English Renaissance theater?

The University Wits were a group of playwrights who attended Oxford or Cambridge and wrote sophisticated plays for both adult actors and child laborers. They improved upon early dramas, making them more true to life, lively, and full of poetry, thus paving the way for Shakespeare.