English+Renaissance+-+Drama+&+Theatre


 * The dramas of the Renaissance period were concerned with human life on Earth. This differed from the dramas of the Medieval Times because those were mostly concerned with religious themes.
 * Plays were performed in courts, at the homes of wealthy people, and in inn yards.
 * The Globe Theater was built in 1599 by one of Shakespeare's associates and his greatest plays were performed in this venue. (sm)



William Shakespeare Christopher Marlowe (1564-1593) Ben Johnson (1572-1637)
 * Most of the plays written during this time were written in verse. (sm)
 * Important playwrights: Shakespeare, Christopher Marlowe, Ben Johnson (sm)
 * Ben Johnson focused on classical models of drama, making clear distinctions between comedies and tragedies.
 * Comedies were plays that ended happily while tragedies concluded with the downfall of the hero.


 * English Renaissance drama and theatre was written between the Reformation and the closure of the theatres during the 1960s.
 * Some of the drama was written during the ending and after Queen Elizabeth I's reign.
 * Some of the best known plays from this time include: Shakespeares' //Hamlet, Richard III// and //The Taming of the Shrew.// Also Christopher Marlowe's //Doctor Faustus.//