The Cambridge Introduction to Early English Theatre

This introduction offers an overview of early English theatre from the earliest recorded vernacular texts in the late medieval period to the closing of the theatres in 1642. Where most existing studies focus on one side or the other of an imaginary boundary between ‘medieval’ and ‘early modern’ or ‘Renaissance’ drama, this book examines the theatre of nearly three centuries in a way that highlights continuities as well as divisions. The study is organised into five subject-based chapters: Place and space; Actors and audiences; Writers, controllers and critics; Genre and tradition; Instruction and spectacle. It includes full chronologies, helpful text boxes and over twenty illustrations.

• An easy to read introduction to English drama from the medieval period through to 1642 • Organises material by subject rather than chronologically, giving the reader a complete overview of the period • Includes helpful text boxes, full chronologies and over twenty illustrations

1. Places of performance; 2. Actors and audiences; 3. Writers, controllers and the place of theatre; 4. Genre and tradition; 5. Instruction and spectacle; Appendix 1. Select chronology of plays and other performances; Appendix 2. Chronology of events; Appendix 3. Dimensions of playing spaces; Bibliography.