THAR 280 Lecture 22: Elizabethan Playwrights and acting companies
30 Nov 2016
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Elizabeth i decreed that no plays dealing with religious or political subjects were to be performed: roman theatre as model, humanistic ideas, universities. First time that there are university trained writers. The state, church and wealthy individuals had withdrawn their funding: theatre was forced to become commercial. Less about message and more about selling tickets. Did not follow the rules established by the italian neoclassicists: reacting against italian neoclassicists. Comedy: plautus and terence: plots, stock characters. Pedant: in love with the sound of his own didactic voice. Aim of the humanists to educate those who ruled in government. Effectiveness of the morality play was attractive to humanists. Did not change the techniques of the drama. A natural medium for the humanists to use in educating the king, for plays were frequently performed at court. Explore the workings and legitimacy of kingship. Historical exemplars (lear, henry iv, julius caesar) University-educated playwright, noted for their erudition and clever language.
