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1559
Queen Elizabeth I Outlaws Plays
"Queen Elizabeth I ascends the throne in England (1558); subsequently outlaws the performance of plays with religious and political subjects (1559)" (Brockett et al. 137). During Elizabeth's reign, the arts prospered with her support, and it has since been known as Elizabethan England during her reign (Messina and Redmond). Although Queen Elizabeth I outlawed religious and political subjects in plays, the theatres still prospered during her reign. -
Before Producing Dido, Queen of Carthage by Christopher Marlowe
Christopher Marlowe had written the play, Dido, Queen of Carthage before the playwright was published in 1594. This was the first work of Marlowe. According to records, "the play was performed by the Children of the Chapel, a company of boy actors, between 1587 and 1593" (Messina and Redmond). A year before this playwright was published, Marlowe's constant rumors of being an atheist caught up to him. Marlowe was killed in a fight by Ingram Frizer with a knife (Messina and Redmond). -
Hamlet by William Shakespeare
The play Hamlet was written by William Shakespeare in 1600-1601 (Brockett et al. 137). Considered one of his most famous works, the play "deals with questions about life and existence, sanity, love, death, and betrayal" (Jamieson). The play is a tragedy that enhances these questions and thoughts. Hamlet is one of the most quoted works of literature and has been translated into as many as 75 other languages (Jamieson). -
Fuente Ovejuna - Play by Lope de Vega
"Lope de Vega writes Fuente Ovejuna (c.1613), one of his approximately 800 plays" (Brockett et al. 137). Fuente Ovejuna starts with a meeting of a "17-year-old Master of the Order of Calatrava, Rodrigo Téllez Girón, and his Commander, Fernán Gómez de Guzmán" (Emanuel). The meeting is about who will rule the kingdom of Castile after the death of King Henry IV of Castile. There is loyalty for either one side or the other, but never both. This creates many tense situations and much fighting. -
About Calderón de la Barca and His Play - Life Is a Dream
"Calderón de la Barca writes Life Is a Dream (c. 1635)" (Brockett et al. 137). Life Is a Dream has a philosophical approach to life. For this reason, it was one of Calderón's most famous works of art (M.). Calderón's first name is Pedro. Pedro Calderón worked "day and night, and thanks to this, hundreds of sonnets and comedies have come down to us, as well as novels, epics, and short novels arising from his privileged intellect" (M.). -
French Academy Ruling Upon Pierre Corneille's - Le Cid
The "French Academy ruling on Le Cid controversy establishes neoclassicism as the dominant mode in French drama (1638)" (Brockett et al. 137). Le Cid was the first masterpiece of Pierre Corneille, and the problem of choice is an honor for this piece of work (Mills). There is a conflict that arises between what society says to do and a personal choice of honor. By the "end, love must be subordinated to a higher sense of purpose" (Mills). -
Closing of Theatres During the English Civil War
"English Civil War; English theatres closed (1642)" (Brockett et al. 137). At the beginning of the English Civil War, theatres began to close as a "product of religious fervor and political upheaval, the banning of plays in London, and across England, in 1642 was a moment that has come to symbolize the grey years of Puritanical rule in England" (Roller). During this year, the English Civil Wars had begun making it dangerous for many to be away from their homes. -
The Introduction of Women in Theaters
Women did not perform in the theatre in the early 16th century. It was not until 1660 that women would be accepted in acting when theatres reopened (Neale). Women that were respected did not generally perform in theatre. However, due to the need for women who could read, memorize lines, sing and dance, the first female actresses came from diverse backgrounds (Neale). While the acting was in demand for women, this helped enhance the fame of Nell Gwyn and Moll Davis (Neale). -
Louis XIV Uplifts Ban on Play Tartuffe
Tartuffe is one of Molière's greatest masterpieces. The play was "first performed as a three-act comedy in May 1664, and was immediately denounced for supposedly ‘attacking’ religion through its portrayal of the pious titular hypocrite, Tartuffe" (Tearle). Louis XIV permitted the play of Tartuffe by Molière after having the play banned due to religious protests against it by "the Company of the Holy Sacrament (1669)" (Brockett et al. 137). -
The Servant of Two Masters - Play by Carlo Goldoni
Carlo Goldoni wrote The Servant of Two Masters in 1743 and added his ideas of traditional "commedia dell'arte" (Brockett et al. 137). The play was written for "a Venetian commedia dell'arte troupe that permitted him to write out the dialogue" (Brockett et al. 124). With this element of being able to write out the dialogue, many actors added their own comedic business while following the script. In 1753 when the script was published, "all the dialogue was scripted" (Brockett et al. 124).
