Theatre and the English Public from Reformation to Revolution

Synopsis

This book presents new and overarching perspectives on the relationship between theatre and public from the Henrician Reformation through the interregnum to the Restoration, combining vivid case studies with discussion of theatre's continued importance in shaping the early modern public. Considered from the vantage point of theatre, the early modern public becomes visible as an unruly agent of political change, a force that authorities both feared and appealed to, and one that proved ultimately beyond control. It was through theatrical strategies that rulers and their opposition addressed the early modern public, and in turn it was theatre's public potential that shaped the development of the stage during the revolutionary years of the seventeenth century.

In this volume, Katrin Beushausen examines sources including irreverent satirical pamphlets, regal spectacles, anti-theatrical polemic and visions of state theatres, casting new light on the development of the early modern public and theatre.

Sheds new light on the English Civil War and Commonwealth period, discussing theatre under prohibition and filling in important blanks in the history of the English stage.

Provides fresh insights into the literary and theatrical culture of the Interregnum, using theatre studies methodology to interpret numerous primary sources and case studies.

Charts the impact of theatre on the early modern public under different regimes from the early sixteenth century to the late seventeenth century.

Copyright:

2018

Book Details

Book Quality:

Publisher Quality

ISBN-13:

9781316856734

Related ISBNs:

9781107181458, 9781107181458

Publisher:

Cambridge University Press

Date of Addition:

06/16/18

Copyrighted By:

Katrin Beushausen

Adult content:

No

Language:

English

Has Image Descriptions:

No

Categories:

History, Drama, Plays and Theater

Submitted By:

Bookshare Staff

Usage Restrictions:

This is a copyrighted book.