Shakespeare's Theatre: A History examines the theatre spaces used by
William Shakespeare, and explores these spaces in relation to the social
and political framework of the Elizabethan era. The text journeys from
the performing spaces of the provincial inns, guild halls and houses of
the gentry 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 is the first to
draw on the most recent archaeological work on the remains of the Rose
and the Globe, as well as continuing publications from the Records of
Early English Drama project. The book also explores the contentious view
that the 'plot' of The Seven Deadly Sins (part II), provides
unprecedented insight into the working practices of Shakespeare's
company and includes a complete and modernized version of the 'plot'.
Throughout, the author relates the practicalities of early modern
playing to the evolving systems of aristocratic patronage and royal
licensing within which they developed
Insightful and engaging, Shakespeare's Theatre is ideal reading for
undergraduates, postgraduates, and scholars of literature and theatre
studies.
