Shakespeare and Theatrical Patronage in Early Modern England

by Paul Whitfield White (Editor), Suzanne R. Westfall (Editor)

Overview

This wide-ranging study relates patronage to Shakespeare and the theatrical culture of his time. Twelve distinguished theater historians address such questions as—What important functions did patronage have for the theater during this period? How, in turn, did the theater impact on and represent patronage? In what ways do patronage, political power, and playing intersect? The authors also show how patronage practices changed and developed from the early Tudor period to the years in which Shakespeare was the English theater's leading artist.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780521034302
Publisher:	Cambridge University Press
Publication date:	12/14/2006
Pages:	336
Product dimensions:	5.94(w) x 8.94(h) x 0.75(d)

About the Author

Paul Whitfield White is Associate Professor of English at Purdue University. He is the author of Theatre and Reformation: Protestantism, Patronage, and Playing in Tudor England (1993) and editor of Marlowe, History and Sexuality (1998) and Reformation Biblical Drama (OP).

Suzanne R. Westfall is Professor of English and Theatre at Lafayette College. She is the author of Patrons and Performance: Early Tudor Household Revels, and articles on patronage and household theatre.

Table of Contents

List of illustrations; List of contributors; Introduction: Shakespeare and theatrical patronage in early modern England Paul Whitfield White and Suzanne R. Westfall; Part I. Theories and Histories: 1. 'The useless dearness of the diamond': theories of patronage theatre Suzanne R. Westfall; Part II. Shakespearean Patronage: 2. The King's Men's king's men: Shakespeare and folio patronage David M. Bergeron; 3. Shakespeare, the Cobhams and the dynamics of theatrical patronage Paul Whitfield White; 4. Shakespeare, noble patrons and the pleasures of 'common' playing Leeds Barroll; Part III. From Medieval to Early Modern: 5. 'What revels are in hand?': marriage celebrations and patronage of the arts in Renaissance England David Bevington and Milla Riggio; 6. The city as patron: York Alexandra F. Johnston; 7. Theatrical patronage and the urban community during the reign of Mary Mary A. Blackstone; Part IV. Patrons, Players and Audiences: 8. Privy Councilors as theatre patrons Andrew Gurr; 9. Tracking Leicester's Men: the patronage of a performance troupe Sally-Beth MacLean; 10. Patronage and the companies of boy actors Michael Shapiro; 11. The audience as patron: The Knight of the Burning Pestle Alexander Leggatt; Index.

Editorial Reviews

"This study of early modern and Shakespearean theatrical patronage brings together an impressive range of contributors to fill the gap left by what the editors rightly identify as the absence of an extensive study of these issues...This is a wide-ranging and carefully structured collection." Renaissance Quarterly

"The diverse essays in this volume provide a richly detailed picture of theatrical patronage in early modern England...the collection is notable for its forceful and cogent presentation of the intricate and changing nature of early modern theatrical patronage." Sixteenth Century Journal

"Richly rewarding." Studies in English Literature

From the Publisher