Elizabethan Theatre Explained in 13 Minutes

Summary

The Elizabethan era (1558-1603) was a golden age for theatre, with Queen Elizabeth I actively supporting the arts. Plays evolved from religious themes to comedies and tragedies, reflecting English nationalism. Renowned playwrights like Shakespeare and Marlowe emerged, creating enduring works. Purpose-built theatres, such as the Globe, became central to culture, attracting large audiences and elevating actors' status. The period's theatre was characterized by minimal sets, vivid performances, and a raucous audience, all contributing to a unique and vibrant theatrical experience.

Takeaways

• 👑 The Elizabethan era (1558-1603) was marked by Queen Elizabeth I's reign and a significant boom in the arts, particularly in performance arts, which contributed greatly to English and world culture.
• 🎭 Elizabeth I was an admirer of plays and spectacles, using theatre as a medium to project her own glory and that of the Tudor family.
• 🎨 The beginning of the 16th century saw plays often based on religious themes, such as morality and miracle plays, evolving from ancient Greek traditions and other forms of public entertainment.
• 🚫 Initially, plays by strolling players were viewed with suspicion by authorities due to their non-religious content, leading to attempts to ban them.
• 📜 The English Reformation influenced a shift in play themes during Elizabeth's reign, with playwrights like Marlowe and Shakespeare emerging and writing famous comedies and tragedies.
• 🎭👥 The reputation of Elizabethan actors improved with the introduction of purpose-built theaters, elevating them to the status of today's superstars and allowing them to become wealthy stakeholders.
• 🏟️ The construction of theaters like the Rose, Swan, and Globe in London between 1587 and 1598 signified the growing popularity of stage plays and the professionalization of acting troupes.
• 🌐 The Globe Theatre, opened in 1599, was notable for its circular design, capacity for around two thousand spectators, and innovative stage effects like trapdoors and flying actors.
• 🎭👗 All actors during the Elizabethan period were men, even playing female roles, reflecting the professionalization of a previously stigmatized occupation.
• 🎓 The 'University Wits', young playwrights from Cambridge and Oxford, contributed to the development of new play conventions and the popularity of blood plays.
• 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 The flowering of Elizabethan drama is believed to be connected to a surge in patriotic confidence and national identity following England's victory over the Spanish Armada in 1588.

Q & A

What is the Elizabethan era known for in terms of arts and culture?

The Elizabethan era, from 1558 to 1603, is known for a boom in the arts, particularly in performance arts, which made a significant and lasting contribution to English and world culture.

How did Queen Elizabeth I use theatre to her advantage?

Queen Elizabeth I used theatre as a medium to project her own glory and that of her family, the Tudors. She actively sponsored artists and playwrights, and theatre helped her manage her image as the Virgin Queen.

What were the origins of plays in the early 16th century in England?

In the early 16th century, many plays were based on religious themes, known as morality plays and miracle plays. There were also masques, where performers sang, danced, and recited poetry in extravagant costumes.

How did the themes of plays change during Elizabeth's reign?

The themes of plays changed during Elizabeth's reign due to the English Reformation, leading to the creation of comedies and tragedies by English playwrights, exploring historical topics and a sense of English nationalism.

Who were some of the famous playwrights of the Elizabethan era?

Famous playwrights of the Elizabethan era include Christopher Marlowe, Thomas Kyd, and William Shakespeare, who wrote plays that are still renowned today.

What was the reputation of early Elizabethan actors like?

The reputation of early Elizabethan actors was not good; they were viewed as rogues and vagabonds and were treated with suspicion. However, their standing improved with the introduction of purpose-built theaters.

How did the establishment of theaters impact the financial stability of actors?

The establishment of theaters allowed actors to form a more solid financial base, enabling them to produce more plays and achieve a higher production value. This led to actors becoming stakeholders in the theaters and becoming wealthy.

What was the Globe Theatre's significance in the Elizabethan era?

The Globe Theatre, which opened in 1599, was significant as it was owned by Burbage's sons and members of the Chamberlain's Men acting company, including William Shakespeare. It became a hub for high-quality productions and a symbol of the era's theatrical success.

What were some of the technical features of the Globe Theatre?

The Globe Theatre was made of wood, more or less circular, and open to the skies. It had three tiers of seating for around two thousand people, and the stage featured technical tricks such as lowering actors on wires or using trapdoors for surprise appearances.

How did the audience interact with the performances at Elizabethan theatres?

The audience at Elizabethan theatres was notoriously raucous, with people talking back to the actors as if they were real people. The groundlings, who stood in front of the stage, were known for their lively participation in the performance.

What role did patriotism play in the flourishing of Elizabethan drama?

Patriotism played a significant role in the flourishing of Elizabethan drama, as a surge of national identity and confidence emerged after England's victory over the Spanish Armada in 1588, which coincided with the rise of playwrights like Shakespeare.