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1548
King Henri II Bans Religious Drama In France
Religious disputes broke out mid-1500s between two groups, the Catholics and the Huguenots (a group of French Protestants). This resulted in violent attacks that lasted throughout the 16th century. The church and state seeked new methods of reducing conflict which resulted in King Henri's ban of religious dramas to draw attention away from such views and perspectives. (Brockett et Al. 104). -
1558
Queen Elizabeth I Takes Throne
Queen Elizabeth I begins to reign proceeding King Henri II. Queen Elizabeth I also decided to continue the ban on plays dealing with religious or other political subjects. (Brockett et Al.). -
1564
Birth Of Wiliam Shakespeare
William Shakespeare was born in Stratford-upon-Avon the son of a provincial glover. Shakespeare was one of the oldest children belonging to John and Mary Shakespeare. His former siblings did not survive past infancy. (O'Connor). -
Aug 24, 1572
St. Bartholomew's Day Massacre
The St. Bartholomew's Day Massacre was the slaughter of French Protestants also known as Huguenots by a group of Catholics. The fight lasted over 2 months resulting in the death of 5,000 to 25,000 people. It was this event that inspired Christopher Marlowe's play The Massacre at Paris. (Writer's Inspire). -
1576
The First Successful Renaissance Theater Was Created
The first theater named "The Theatre" was opened outside of London in 1576. The playhouse was built by James Burbage. This venue staged some of the first plays of Shakespeare including Romeo and Juliet. (Shakesperean London Theatres). -
Arrest of Christopher Marlowe
Marlow wrote a manuscript discussing inconsistencies of the Bible. Christopher Marlowe's roommate was tortured into providing evidence against Marlowe which led to his arrest on Sunday May 20th for being noted as an atheist which was a criminal offense worthy of being burned at the stake. However, Marlowe was lucky enough to escape death by reporting to the court officer daily. (Royal Shakespeare Company). -
The Globe Theatre Opening
The Globe Theatre, a theater owned by William Shakespeare was built and then later opened in 1599 in London. The Globe was built by Lord Chamberlin's Men, a company owned by Shakespeare. It is presumed that the first play written for The Globe was Julius Caesar by William Shakespeare. (Shakespeare's Globe). -
Full Version Of Hamlet Is Published
In 1599-1601 William Shakespeare began writing his infamous play Hamlet. Hamlet is a tragedy revolving around a ghost who seeks revenge on his murder (the new reigning king) by communicating with his lively son to carry out the act. Although this play was published as a quarto in 1603, it was fully released in 1604. (Brockett et Al.). -
Publishing Of Ben Jonson's Work
In 1616, Ben Jonson collected and published all of his own dramas. By doing this, plays and other dramas began to receive the same status and treatment other forms of literature received. (Brockett et Al.). -
Introduction Of Female Actresses
Throughout most performances, males were the only ones casted to play all roles, including those in which the characters were females themselves. It was not until 1660 that the audience witnessed an unusual performance involving a woman within the play titled Othello. The woman who was named Margaret Hughes was casted as the character Desdemona. (Ziegler).