]> Elizabethan Theater 1558 - 1603 the reign of Queen Elizabeth 1 Refers to plays written and performed publicly in England during that time 1642: Public performances closed (in England) History Mystery Plays / Miracle play Mystery plays were originally part of religious festivals in England and other parts of Europe during the Middle Ages Had biblical themes Commonly performed in Churches Sponsored by the church .. Especially missionaries Became more linked to secular celebrations and religious festivals Morality plays Evolved out of the mystery plays University drama -> attempted to recreate Greek tragedy Mummers Plays Performed on the streets Folk stories, see the more formal Christian Mystery plays.. The Queen of England was originally against public performances, although was later convinced to allow them. Performances The stage was surrounded by people on three sides. The rear was used as an exit for the actors. 1576 -> One of the first theatres built as a theatre in England since the time of Rome Until 1649 (or so), no women were used as actors. Writers Over 600 plays from the Elizabethan period remain. Playwrights were paid while writing their plays. However, once it was accepted by a company (of actors), they would get one day's worth of proceeds All rights to the script were lost once the play was sold to the company. Finale Theaters were closed in 1642 Theaters were reopened in 1660(ish) This was after the English Civil War This was during the English Restoration Reign of King Charles II For 50 years, drama was the highest form of literature in English. English writers had a strong reputation throughout Europe Many writers were considered some of the finest dramatists since the Roman Empire Genres History play Depicted English or European history Such as: Henry V Richard III Tragedy Popular Comedy Common. Sub genre: City Comedy City comedies dealt satiricially with life in the city Resembled Roman New Comedy See: Thomas Dekker's The Shoemaker's Holiday Thomas Middleton's A Chaste Maid in Cheapside List of playhouses The Theatre Built in 1576 by actor James Burbage The company "The Chamberlain's Men" was best-known theatre company in London Acquired William Shakespeare as their leading playwright The lease on the land that The Theatre was built on was to expire in 1599 So, the actors took the timber of the building, crossed the river, and built "The Globe" The Curtain The Rose The Swan The Globe The Fortune List of playing companies The Admiral's Men The King's Men The Lord Chamberlain's Men See "The Theatre" The Queen's Men