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1548
King Henri II
In 1548 King Henri II bans the performances of religious drama in France. Religious disputes caused violent attacks and wars for years. European rulers were under pressure about what side to choose which resulted to King Henri's actions. (Brockett 104) -
1558
Queen Elizabeth I
Queen Elizabeth ascends the Throne in England. (1558) She outlaws the performance of religious and polictial plays. This was due to the violent religious debates resulting in wars and violent attacks. Due to the ban of religious and political plays a new kind of professional drama was born. (Brockett 104) -
1564
William Shakespeare
William Shakespeare was one the greatest playwrights of all time during the years of (1564-1616) His work is still very popular to this day and has influenced theatrical performances forever. Shakespeare influenced the Renaissance in various ways such as, updating the two demential writing style, explore/create complex human characters, and used is knowledge of of the Greeks and Roman Classics. (The Influence of the Renaissance In Shakespeares Work) -
1564
Elizabethan Theatre
Elizabethan theatre was the first to see professional actors who performed entertaining non-religious themes. The first permeant theatre was built in London which caused others to follow and allow theatre of entertainment to grow. This became a huge hit and allowed the industry to become popular The most popular playwright was William Shakespeare.(1564-1616) He discovered many different diverse themes to give to the audiences. (Cartwright) -
Hamlet
One of William Shakespeare's greatest works of art is "Hamlet". This theatrical performance is one of the reasons why the Elizabethan plays are still in our remembrance today. Shakespeare handles his actions with great skill and mastery which makes "Hamlet" his most inspirational play. -
Lope De Vega
In 1617 Lope de Vega writes Fuente Ovejuna. That was just one of his 800 plays he had written. He is also responsible for creating a popular new form of theatre that drew large crowds in. "Lope de Vega coined the classic form of comedia with three acts, changing verse dimensions and the figure of “Gracioso” (the funny opponent of the hero). The main themes in his works are honour, love, patriotism and religion" (Lope de Vega and the Spanish Golden Age of Literature). -
English Civil War
The English civil war caused theatre's to be shut down to the public. "In 642, the Puritan-led parliament ordered the indefinite closure of all London theatres, citing “times of humiliation” and “stage-plays representative of lascivious mirth and levity” (Who Shut Down The Theatre in 1662?). -
Restoration of English Theatre
After the Civil war ended theatrical performances were banned. But, they were soon reopened in 1660 allowing comedic and drama themes to be popular. Audiences included everyone such as kings, middle class, and even servants. Soon after, King Charles declared females were able to perform again. When King Charles brought theatre back it showed that people were going to be allowed more freedom. -
Louis XIV Allows Public Performance
Louis XIV was a supporter of theatre. In 1669 he decided to permit the performance "Moliere's Tartuffe" to the public after banning the play because of objections by the company and of the Holy Sacrament. (Brockett 137) -
"The Servant of Two Masters"
"The Servant of Two Masters" came out in 1753 and was the most popular commedia ever written. The play portrayed many different types of characters with different personalities. Many people enjoyed watching this comedic theatrical performance. "Goldoni's "The Servant of Two Masters" is best understood as the inheritor of an important and influential Italian theatre style, Commedia dell'Arte, which is most often translated as “comedy of the profession.” (Monte 7)