Straight Outta Stratford-Upon-Avon - Shakespeare's Early Days: Crash Course Theater #14

Summary

The video script delves into the life and works of William Shakespeare, the master playwright of the English theatre. Born in Stratford-upon-Avon, Shakespeare's early life is shrouded in mystery, with speculation ranging from his possible work as a butcher to his marriage to Anne Hathaway. His career took off in London, where he rose to fame as an actor, playwright, and shareholder in the Lord Chamberlain's Men. Despite the lack of prestige associated with playwriting during Elizabethan times, Shakespeare's collaborative efforts resulted in a rich body of work. The script highlights the First Folio, a posthumous collection of his plays, and explores the genre of history plays, which were used to teach obedience and allegiance to the crown. Shakespeare's 'Richard III' is examined as a complex portrayal of a villain, showcasing his talent for creating compelling characters that challenge the straightforward narrative of Tudor propaganda.

Takeaways

• 🎭 William Shakespeare is often considered the presiding genius of English theatre and is known to have written all of his plays, though sometimes with assistance.
• 📜 Shakespeare was born in Stratford-upon-Avon and his father held various civic positions, including mayor.
• 🏫 At a young age, Shakespeare attended the Stratford Grammar School where he was exposed to Latin and likely read works by Plautus and Seneca.
• 💍 In 1582, Shakespeare married Anne Hathaway, who was significantly older and pregnant at the time of their marriage.
• 🏙️ After the birth of his children, Shakespeare moved to London for reasons that remain unclear, possibly involving legal trouble or a career in theatre.
• 🎭 By 1592, Shakespeare was a popular actor and playwright in London, known by some detractors as “Shake-scene”.
• 📚 During plague-induced theatre closures, Shakespeare wrote long poems, and upon the reopening of theatres, he joined the Lord Chamberlain’s Men.
• 🏡 By 1597, Shakespeare had accumulated enough wealth to purchase a prominent home in Stratford-upon-Avon.
• 🛌 In 1611, Shakespeare retired to Stratford and died in 1616, leaving behind an epitaph that requested his remains be undisturbed.
• 📝 Playwriting in Elizabethan England was not a prestigious job and was often a collaborative effort, with playwrights relying on side jobs or patronage for income.
• 📚 The First Folio, published in 1623, was an authoritative collection of Shakespeare's works organized into Comedies, Histories, and Tragedies, and was compiled by his fellow actors John Heminges and Henry Condell.

Q & A

Who is the subject of discussion in the video script?

The subject of discussion is William Shakespeare, the renowned playwright and poet of the English theatre.

What is the significance of the date April 26th or 23rd in Shakespeare's life?

This is the date when Shakespeare is believed to have been baptized in Stratford-upon-Avon, marking the earliest known record of his life.

What was Shakespeare's father's occupation and how did it influence his life?

Shakespeare's father, John, was a glover who held various civic positions, including mayor. His social standing and roles likely provided Shakespeare with a certain level of social exposure and education.

At what age did Shakespeare likely begin attending the Stratford Grammar School?

Shakespeare likely began attending the Stratford Grammar School at the age of six or seven.

What is known about Shakespeare's marriage to Anne Hathaway?

Shakespeare married Anne Hathaway in 1582. She was eight years older than him and was pregnant at the time of their marriage.

Why is there uncertainty surrounding the reason for Shakespeare's move to London?

There is uncertainty because historical records provide no clear reason. There are stories and rumors, such as one involving poaching a deer, but no definitive evidence.

What was the name of the acting company Shakespeare joined upon the reopening of theaters?

Shakespeare joined the Lord Chamberlain's Men as an actor, a playwright, and a shareholder.

How did Shakespeare's career as a playwright differ from the common perception of the profession during Elizabethan times?

During Elizabethan times, playwriting was not considered prestigious, and many plays were written collaboratively. However, Shakespeare's talent and the success of his plays eventually made him a prominent figure in English theatre.

What is the First Folio and why is it significant?

The First Folio is an authoritative edition of Shakespeare's works, published in 1623 by two of his fellow actors, John Heminges and Henry Condell. It is significant because it aimed to collect and preserve Shakespeare's plays in a single, comprehensive volume.

What is the primary purpose of history plays during Shakespeare's time?

The primary purpose of history plays was to serve as a patriotic exercise that celebrated past greatness and taught subjects obedience to their king, often showing the consequences of tumults and insurrections.

How does Shakespeare's portrayal of Richard III in the play of the same name differ from the traditional history play?

While Richard III is portrayed as a tyrant and usurper, Shakespeare also presents him as a charming and theatrical character, making him a complex figure that is both attractive and villainous.

What is the significance of the 'quarto' publications of Shakespeare's plays?

Quarto publications were cheap booklets of Shakespeare's plays, often published anonymously and based on pirated copies or bad memories, leading to many errors. Despite their inaccuracies, they contributed to the dissemination of Shakespeare's work.