What do YOU remember?Why did the Renaissance begin in Italy?Major contributions?Where did theatre happen?Decline?

English Theatreto 1642

Remember each country/society goes through their own Renaissance

Renaissance ReminderRebirth14th-17th CenturyBegan in ItalyRevival of classical learningHumanismArtScienceReligionThe printing press15th century (1440)http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kpqBxjdaD0c

Drama, Drama, DramaPowerONE person makes the rulesThe person in charge influences the countrys processEngland=powerhouseStrength in military, education, and the artsTransfer of powerDifferent people different prioritiesHenry VIII, Edward VI, Lady Jane Grey, Queen Mary I, Queen Elizabeth I, James I, Charles I, CommonwealthReligionMarriagesSibling Rivalryhttp://www.britainexpress.com/History/monarchs.htm

Early English Drama(late 1400s)Humanist performancesIndividualized/Intellectual/WealthyCambridge UniversityLondons Inns of Court

Educational institutions utilizing theatreBorrowing from Greeks and RomansMerging of biblical stories, myths, chivalric tales

University Wits: 1580sThomas KydAll events on stageRevenge tragedy: The Spanish TragedyJohn LylyWrote for boys companiesPastoral comediesRobert GreeneWrote for adult companiesHeroinesChristopher MarloweFocus on the protagonist/very complexCommand of blank verseWere able to connect with all audiences/common themes

Shakespeare1564-1616Actor and playwrightKings MenDid he write all of his works?From whom did he borrow?Provided insight about the human conditionEveryday issues that all could relate toThree dimensional charactersInterwoven plotsGenresComedyTragedyHistoryMythical

Other PlaywrightsBen JonsonReforming human behavior, no sympathyGeorge ChappmanThomas DekkerBetter presented than readJohn Marstonviolent imagery Criticizes those that have abandoned ChristianityThomas HeywoodGood at arousing the pathetic emotionsThomas MiddletonVery diverse situations, but could not evoke strong feelings

What did they all have in common?Basic struggle between good and evil

Early point of attack

Chronological story

Scene structure

Diverse tones

Responsibility for the choices that we make

Government RegulationPublic Theatre=Government ControlMany attemptsPlays caused religious controversyFirst try: Elizabeth I-1559Banned religious or political subjectsSecond try: 1572Had to be above a noble to have a troupeMust have a license to perform playsLocal governments wanted their own local control.1581: Master of Revels: fully powerful

Why was the governmentattempting to restrict the theatre? Do youthink it was successful?

Further Evolution of Playwriting1603-1642/Jacobean and Caroline PlaywrightsA level of cynicism and doubtwhy?John Webstergood characterization, yet obscureFocus on corruptionFrancis Beaumont--SensationalismJohn FletcherDramatist for the Kings MenFrequently performed playsPhillip MassingerDramatist for the Kings MenJames Shirley--Dramatist for the Kings MenJohn FordEvil=human beings=sympathyWERE THEY COPYCATS?????

Acting Companies1574-Leicesters Men1st royal patentWho is the Master of Revels and what does he do again?1583Queens Men Monopoly to perform in London1594Admirals & Chamberlins Men (Burbage)Competed for prominence in LondonChamberlins men became the Kings Men1600sKings MenJames IPrimary dramatistWilliam Shakespeare

Acting CompaniesSharing planAll financial risks and profits are sharedBuy into the companyNot all parts are equalNon-sharing members hired menNO WOMENFemale roles played by choir boysFines Intoxication, tardiness, no shows, or wearing a costume outside the theatreHad to perform in front of city officials to get permissionIf under royal patronage; life was GOOD!

Interested in being the next group? Send a rep up by 1:30.Doctor Faustus groupquiz and answer key due March 31 @ noon in e-mail.No class next time.Take 10 minutes to review for the class quiz, there will be questions about last lecture and the reading for today.

ConditionsThe PlagueLots of people in a crowded roomnot good!PlaywrightOnce a playwright was paid, the play was property of the company.Plays had to be approved and licensed by the Master of Revelswho is this again???Actors only received their lineswhy?Quality acting?

Public Theatres p.117PredecessorsArenas and innsOpen airElevated stagesDifferent seating options based on the theatreVarious theatresdifferent construction in each spaceMusic room/gallerybalcony scenesOwned by householdersreceived half the take

PLATFORM STAGEGALLERYGALLERYGROUNDLINGSGROUNDLINGSSUPPORTSUPPORTFLAGHEAVENSLORDS/GENTLEMENS ROOMSTIRING HOUSETIRING HOUSEHUThttp://literature11.pbworks.com/f/inside.jpgGlobe

Private TheatresNot covered by lawsno need for a patron

Smaller, roofed theaters

Higher fees, seats for all

Kings Men were authorized to perform in a private theatre

Scenery, Properties, Special EffectsScenerySpoken Dcornot scenically representedPhysically representedTables, chairs, beds, coffins, dead bodies, trees, flowersMuch more spectacle in the stagings at courtWhy?After 1603court influenceWho and why?MusicOrchestraTrumpeters, drummersThe jig

CostumesMost important elementwhy?Very expensive and time consumingFines for wearing the costumes of the playhousesActors expected to own a stockLent/Rented/GivenMost were in contemporary dressExceptionsAncientout of styleAntiqueclassical figuresFanicifulghosts/allegoricalTraditionalspecific charactersNational/racial

AudiencesChanging timesgrowing population10-20% of the London populationIntense competitionPosters, flags, trumpeters, upcoming announcementsTheatres: 100-3,000Higher costs at private theatresPerformance limitationsNo performances during LentThe PlagueJames Iillegal to perform on SundayNot good for a womans reputation to stand at the theatre.

Court Plays and MasquesPrivate performancesInigo Jones (1573-1662)First important scene designerStudied in ItalySurveyor of His Majestys WorksPerspective scenery, periaktoi, changing sceneryMasquesallegorical stories honoring the person or occasion being celebratedThree dancesentry, main, going outTwelfth Night and Mardi GrasVery expensiveWomen only acted at court or in houses of nobility

Closure of the TheatreCharles IWanted to rule as an absolute monarchDid so from 1629-1640Didnt work well with ParliamentBeheaded in 1649Civil war in 1642Association of royal family to theatreParliament closed the theatre for 5 years (1642)Puritans were then in control and ordered the permanent closure of the theatre.

HOMEWORKBe the expert on the following pages (by APRIL 9) based on your last name:136-142 (Religious Drama-Calderon): A-Ga142-148 (Acting Companies-Corrales/Coliseos): Go-N148-153 (Stage/Scenery-Court Entertainments): O-Z