1. 1 English Theatre to 1642 (Early Tudor Drama)
Humanist performances flourished at universities such as Cambridge.
In 1546 Queen’s College at Cambridge mandated the yearly performance of plays
They constructed a removable theatre structure in its main hall which was used until at least 1640
Their stage may have influenced the design of London playhouses
In 1561, the Inner Temple (law school) presented what is usually considered the first English Tragedy, Gorboduc or Ferrex and Porrex.
It was presented the next year for Queen Elizabeth I at Whitehall
It made such a deep impression, it was printed 5 times by 1590 (that’s a lot for those times!)
The title page for Gorboduc.
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2. 2 English Theatre to 1642 (Early Tudor Drama)
Despite humanist influences, medieval practices and conventions dominated English theatre through the 16th century
Traveling entertainers were common and local communities produced a variety of amateur performances
Professional actors combined elements of popular entertainment with subjects from many different sources
Biblical stories were mixed with foreign and chivalric tales
Classical myths were mixed with English historical & comic figures
Traveling troupes (like this Italian Commedia dell’Arte troupe) were still quite common.
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3. 3 English Theatre to 1642 (Early Tudor Drama)
During Elizabeth I’s reign, interest at universities and schools expanded beyond classical drama to plays based on English history or recent Italian works
By 1600 the influence schools, universities, & Inns of Court had on professional theatre was waning.
These organizations played a crucial role in the development of drama by teaching students effective dramatic techniques
When school-educated writers began to work for professional troupes, English drama entered an era of greatness
The most famous group of men are called the “University Wits”
They bridged the gap between the educated and common audiences and built the foundation for Shakespeare!
Queen Elizabeth watching a play at Christmas Christmastide, William Sandys
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4. 4 English Theatre to 1642 (The University Wits)
Thomas Kyd (1558 – 1594)
The Spanish Tragedy – the most popular play of the 16th century
All of the important events happen on stage
Action moves freely through time and space
Includes ghosts, a chorus (one person), soliloquies, confidants, and division into acts
Established the vogue for “revenge” tragedy – the most lasting example of which is Shakespeare’s Hamlet
John Lyly ( )
Wrote primarily for Boys’ companies catering to aristocratic audiences
Most famous works are pastoral comedies that mix classical mythology with English subjects
All but one of his plays are written in prose
His plays established the tradition followed by Shakespeare with As You Like It
Thomas Kyd and John Lyly (maybe).
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5. 5 English Theatre to 1642 (The University Wits)
Robert Greene ( )
Also wrote pastoral and romantic comedies, but for adult companies
Especially noted for his charming and resourceful heroines
Christopher Marlowe ( )
The most influential of the group
Tambourlaine, Doctor Faustus, The Jew of Malta, and others – all pretty famous
His plays focus on the protagonist, whose complex motivations are revealed by an episodic story
Doctor Faustus is his most influential work
When he was killed, he & Shakespeare had written about the same number of plays, but critics believe Marlowe was better with blank verse.
Robert Greene (maybe) and Christopher Marlowe.
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