Shakespeare's Theatre: A History

Shakespeare's Theatre: A History examines the theatre spaces used by William Shakespeare, and situates these locations in relation to the social and political climate of the Elizabethan era. The text journeys from the provincial inns and guild halls of the Bard's early career, to the purpose-built outdoor playhouses of London, including the Globe, the Theatre, and the Curtain, and the royal courts of Elizabeth and James I. The author also discusses the players for whom Shakespeare wrote, and the positioning --or dispositioning-- of audience members in relation to the stage. Widely and deeply researched, this fascinating volume draws upon recent archaeological work on the remains of the Rose and the Globe, as well as publications from the Records of Early English Drama project. Chapters relate the practicalities of early modern playing to the evolving systems of aristocratic patronage and royal licensing within which they developed, providing a sociological frame for understanding how physical spaces and commercial constraints shaped the creative practice and performance of Shakespeare's work. Insightful and engaging, Shakespeare's Theatre: A History is ideal reading for undergraduates, postgraduates, and scholars of literature and theatre studies.