Essay On Elizabethan Theatre

1217 Words3 Pages
bulb-icon

Recommended: Elizabethan theatre history

Open, crowded, lots of natural light, no props. If asked to describe the Elizabethan Theatre houses some of those words and phrases could be used. In the Elizabethan Era, theater was a very large part of life. Everyone in Europe, who could afford to go to the theater, went. Whether one was a simple commoner or if one was Queen Elizabeth herself, they would have enjoyed going to the Globe to watch all the exciting and dramatic plays. Queen Elizabeth, who rose to the throne in England in 1558, loved watching all the plays that were performed all around England (Somerset Fry 164). The Theatre in the Elizabethan Era was greatly impacted on the different historical events that were in the Era and they were mirrored in many plays, specifically Shakespeare’s play, The Tempest. Queen Elizabeth was very involved in theatre, from acting in the plays or just watching them. After Mary Tudor, the last Catholic Monarch for England, died in November 7, 1558, Princess Elizabeth was handed the throne (Jones 14). Elizabeth was notified of the Queen’s death by her own personal servant giving her Mary’s ring (Jones 14). Being only 25 years old, people saw Elizabeth as a very weak young woman (Jones 14). Many of the older Elizabethans were weary of what could happen to the government and their economy with such a young, female leader (Jones 14). Before Mary Tudor had past, she made some very drastic changes to the coins in order to pay for the military. She changed the good silver that was the original base for a coin to a very low quality copper (Jones 14). Not only did the currency change create trading problems, but it also began the inflation (Jones 14). England was getting poorer as a whole. Not only did merchants and gentlemen start... ... middle of paper ... ...n acted in the Globe Theatre, one of the most famous Elizabethan theatre houses (Somerset Fry 194). Shakespeare had an amazing and exciting life that ended on his birthday April 23, 1916 (Pressley). Theater in the Elizabethan Era changed the way people lived, and vice versa. Without theater back in the 16th century, life today could, and would, be very different. The Theatre in the Elizabethan Era was greatly impacted on the different historical events that were in the Era and they were mirrored in many plays, specifically Shakespeare’s play, The Tempest. Other people could argue that theater was merely another extracurricular activity people could partake in. However, facts collected over the years have shown that theater was very important to the people whether it was back in the 1500’s or now in the 21st century, theater is still a huge impact on daily life.

Show More
Related

  • Sports, Games, and Pastimes of the Elizabethan Era

    1400 Words  | 3 Pages

    Of course, the Elizabethan Era being the time of Shakespeare, going to the theatre was always an option. Attending the most well-known, The Globe Theatre was an adventure in itself. Many of Shakespeare's plays (he acted in some of them) were performed at this magnificent theatre.

    Read More

  • Ophelia's Fennel Symbolism In Hamlet

    1764 Words  | 4 Pages

    "Elizabethan Theatre Audiences." Elizabethan Theatre Audiences. Strayer University, 16 May 2012. Web. 24 Mar. 2014.

    Read More

  • The Globe Theater

    957 Words  | 2 Pages

    The Globe was the most important structure to Shakespeare's drama because most of his plays were to be performed on the stage of the Globe. Those plays written by Shakespeare include: Hamlet, Macbeth, Twelfth Night, King Lear, Othello, and Julius Caesar. These plays that had a huge effect on our literature had an even larger effect on the people of London. Plays were important to the residents of London because they were an efficient way of getting a message to many people and entertain them at the same time. The playhouses commonly drew thousands, who saw a supposedly fictitious play often with a political undertone.

    Read More

  • Shakespeare, Mark Twain, and Culture

    1436 Words  | 3 Pages

    Shakespeare’s new levels of popularity depended largely upon his growing accessibility that was able to reach all different social classes in the nineteenth century. As Americans expanded westward across the frontier, Shakespeare followed. By the nineteenth century Shakespeare had become more accessible through traveling libraries, the incorporation of his material into school curriculums, and most importantly through play productions. Shakespeare had become, “present and recognized almost everywhere in the country” (Levine 37). Shakespeare found a ready audience on the stages of the many theatres that were popping up in almost every city and town in America. Theatres of the nineteenth century were separated into sections. An individual’s income determined which section they could afford to sit in. Even though the theatre was sepa...

    Read More

  • Elizabethan Theater

    621 Words  | 2 Pages

    Elizabethan times in the 1600s was a progression for the world of the theater. A period named after Queen Elizabeth I of England, it is from this period that modern day society has its foundation for the entertainment industry. From the violence that was prevalent because of the Black Death, people turned to the theater for its poetry and romance. During this time period, there were two types of theatrical performances that were available for the people’s viewing, comedies or tragedies. These two genres were never really intertwined until the time of William Shakespeare. His play, Romeo and Juliet, is an example of both a comedy and a tragedy. It starts off as a comedy with Romeo weeping like a baby because of his love Rosaline, who did not love him back and ends as a tragedy when Romeo and Juliet, a pair of star crossed lovers, commit suicide because the lost of each other. It was also during Shakespeare’s time that writer were finally acknowledged by the people. Before this time, writers were not considered upper classman. Another group of people that began to rise into a higher social class were the actors. Actresses were not present back then because women were not allowed on stage. It was considered unladylike to have a female actor. Men played all the parts. Theater owners were dependent on actors to make them a profit. Rehearsals for the plays were fairly short, only lasting for about a week. The performances themselves would only show for three to four days.

    Read More

  • The History and Present Use of the Globe Theatre

    559 Words  | 2 Pages

    Have you ever wondered what it would it feel like to walk inside and see the beautiful architect in the Globe Theatre? The significance of the Globe theatre is that play rights change how they portrayed the stories to the audience. The Globe Theatres were popular in Shakespearian time and Shakespeare’s plays still occur there every day.

    Read More

  • Dramatic Censorship in Renaissance England

    1607 Words  | 4 Pages

    middle of paper ... ... Over the next decade, attempts to revive performances were made but this edict practically closed theaters, marking the end of Elizabethan drama. Bibliography:..

    Read More

  • Historical Context for Shakespeare's Plays

    1028 Words  | 3 Pages

    Arguably the greatest playwright of his time, perhaps in all of history, William Shakespeare's literary works have had a tremendous impact (see Appendix 2). Reaching into the pop culture of the modern world through movies and quotes used in everyday conversation, Shakespeare's influence is astounding (see Appendix 1). One rarely stops to think, however, about events that had an impact on Shakespeare's life, particularly his writing. The outbreak of the plague, social disparity, political unrest, just a few of the historical happenings that impacted Shakespeare's plays, including Macbeth, Romeo and Juliet, Othello, and Henry IV

    Read More

  • What Was The Theatre In The Tudor Theatre

    620 Words  | 2 Pages

    Theatre in Tudor England played a big part of Tudor life as it allowed people to have a break from work and to enjoy their leisure time.

    Read More

  • Elizabethan Drama as a Mirror

    1477 Words  | 3 Pages

    How [God] hath dealt with some of our countrymen your ancestors, for sundry vices not yet left, this book named A Mirror for Magistrates can shew; which therefore I humbly offer unto your Honors, beseeching you to accept it favorably. For here as in a looking glass, you shall see (if any vice be in you) how the like hath been punished in other heretofore, whereby, admonished, I trust it will be a good occasion to move you to the sooner amendment.

    Read More

  • Drama throughout the Ages

    729 Words  | 2 Pages

    ... the Renaissance and Elizabethan age to build upon it. The medieval age saw the return of theater in the Church but would become increasingly secularized as theater expanded and matured. However the Church was instrumental in bringing about the return of drama in the medieval age which is what this time period is most remembered for. The change in the language from Latin to the vernacular and the development of costumes and props were major contributions that aided the expansion of the theater as well. No props, language, or costume has had a bigger impact on theater than one person, William Shakespeare. He is the most influential single figure in the entire history of drama and will always be remembered for his fantastic works. The theater has been influenced by countless elements and playwrights that have all contributed to the modern theater that is around today.

    Read More

  • Greek and Elizabethan Theatre

    912 Words  | 2 Pages

    The name most associated with excellence in theatre is William Shakespeare. His plays, more than any other playwright, resonate through the ages. It may be safe to say that he has influenced more actors, directors, and playwrights than any thespian in the history of the stage. But what were his influences? During the Middle Ages theatre was dominated by morality, miracle, and mystery plays that were often staged by the church as a means to teach the illiterate masses about Christianity. It wasn’t until the early sixteenth century that Greek tragedy experienced a revival, in turn, inspiring a generation of renaissance playwrights.

    Read More

  • Literature During The Elizabethan Era Essay

    1514 Words  | 4 Pages

    Oltea Shahini Mr.Cohan Honors English 10 19 March 2014 Break Down of Literature During the Elizabethan Era Many periods of time throughout history have developed their own forms of literature. From 1558 to 1603, Queen Elizabeth I reigned during the golden age of English history. The Elizabethan Era had a large growth in literature because Queen Elizabeth supported and encouraged the fine arts more than any monarch in England’s history did. The literature of the time was characterized by a new energy, originality, and confidence based on Renaissance humanism.

    Read More

  • Elizabethan Age Essay

    1545 Words  | 4 Pages

    The Elizabethan era was a period of major change and uncertainty. This era was the time period of Queen Elizabeth I 's reign, also called the 'Golden Era '. She was the queen of England from 1558 to 1603. One of the changes during this era was the revolution of a new industry. Prior to her reign, most of the population lived in rural districts. The new development in the industry caused an increase in population and created jobs. "A distinct and prosperous middle class developed for the first time in English history" (Morgan, 2016). During her reign, she developed new laws to arise peace amongst the people. One law she decided to enforce, involved people to not seek revenge," Quote proving " This allowed

    Read More

  • The Elizabethan Age

    787 Words  | 2 Pages

    The theater was one of the primary forms of entertainment in Elizabethan England, as anyone, rich or poor could attend the plays.The rich would sit in boxes or galleries, while the poorer people would have to stand for the entirety of the play (Haigh). The poor would stand in front of the stage which would normally be raised about 4 to 6 feet and the theater could hold on average 3,000 people (Trumbull). The rich however usually watched plays in indoor private theaters, but sometimes would watch the plays in the outdoor public ones. Performances ...

    Read More

More about Essay On Elizabethan Theatre

Open Document