EMC: Abstract: England's Theatres of Blood

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England's Theatres of Blood

• 1997 ----- color ----- 42 min ----- vhs
• In the world of Renaissance England, where public executions fueled bloodlust and bear-baiting was a popular sport, the most popular form of entertainment by far was the theatre. At least a dozen grand stages, towering theatres open to the sky, put on spectacles for the enjoyment of the masses. But in 1642, with the stroke of a pen, the great culture of the British stage was wiped out. The theatres were destroyed, and most of the plays lost. Explores the development and incredible life of the English theatre and the tragic end of the theatres' greatest era, when Shakespeare was penning new classics for the legendary Globe Theater, and the actors, impresarios and playwrights were revered by all. The productions were bawdy and fun, full of innuendo and double entendre, thrilling the people with tales of nobility while flirting with the law. Yet the same brazenness which made it so popular ultimately led to its downfall. Carefully examines the development of English theatre from the Easter church plays, the Passion plays and how the actor was feared by the authorities.
• Topics: (Drama, History: British, Literature: English)

		Educational Media Collection risimiki@u.washington.edu Modified: January 11, 2007