English Renaissance theatre

English Renaissance theatre, also called early modern English theatre, refers to the theatre of England, largely based in London, that occurred between the Reformation and the closure of the theatres in 1642. It includes the drama of William Shakespeare and many other world-famous playwrights. English Renaissance theatre is sometimes called "Elizabethan theatre." The term "Elizabethan theatre", however, covers only the plays written and performed... more

English Renaissance theatre, also called early modern English theatre, refers to the theatre of England, largely based in London, that occurred between the Reformation and the closure of the theatres in 1642. It includes the drama of William Shakespeare and many other world-famous playwrights. English Renaissance theatre is sometimes called "Elizabethan theatre." The term "Elizabethan theatre", however, covers only the plays written and performed publicly in England during the reign of Queen Elizabeth (1558–1603). As such, "Elizabethan theatre" is distinguished from Jacobean theatre (associated with the reign of King James I, 1603–1625), and Caroline theatre (associated with King Charles I, 1625 until the closure of the theatres in 1642). "English Renaissance theatre" or "early modern theatre" refers to all three sub-classifications taken together. Renaissance theatre derived from several medieval theatre traditions, such as the mystery plays that formed a part of religious festivals... less