How did Elizabethan Theatre influence Romeo and Juliet?

Answer 1

Shakespeare strongly influenced the English theatre from the seventeenth century onward, so his influence can be felt in any modern play. Shakespeare radically increased the complexity of characters in plays--the difference can easily be seen in a comparison of playwrights just before Shakespeare and those immediately afterwards. One might almost say that Shakespeare invented characterization.

One interesting fact is that modern theatre design is hearkening back to that of Elizabethan theatres, using thrust stages and simpler sets.

Answer 2

Elizabethan Theatre gets its name from Queen Elizabeth I, who was ruling over England at the time. Shakespeare was actually employed by the Queen, and wrote on whatever topic she requested. Romeo and Juliet was also affected by the confines of the theatre at the time. All actors were men, and all of Shakespeare's plays were performed in his Globe Theatre for the Queen and her subjects.

Answer 3

Shakespeare influenced theater a great deal. Many writers look to Shakespeare's work and many plays have been inspired by him. Shakespeare's plays are very famous and are still being performed today.

i got two words for you, iambic pentameter.

Answer 4

Shakespeare was an actor and knew the technical limitations and possibilities of his theatre. He wrote plays for the purpose of having them performed, which meant that they had to be practical. For example, the beginning of Act 5 Scene 1 of Merchant of Venice is a tedious dialogue between Lorenzo and Jessica, each line beginning with "In such a night . . .", followed by further tedious dialogue now involving Launcelot. You may search in vain for any way in which this dialogue advances the plot, and ask, "So why did Shakespeare write it then?" The reason is that in the previous scene Portia and Nerissa are dressed like men and in this one they are dressed like women and they need time to change costume.

In Romeo and Juliet, Act 1 Scene 5 begins with a conversation between a bunch of serving men. Why? To keep the audience's attention while they are setting the stage for the feast scene.

Shakespeare used the trap door in the stage for Ophelia's grave, the recess in the back of the stage to conceal Polonius and the "statue" of Hermione, the balcony to be Juliet's balcony and the walls of Harfleur, the canopy door overhead to allow Jupiter to descend in Postumous's dream. He did not bother to suggest elaborate sets because these are not possible on a thrust stage, or complex lighting because the lighting was natural.

Answer 5

Shakespeare is considered one of the best playwrights of all time. Of his thirty-odd plays, at least a dozen are considered among the finest. His plays have been in constant production from the time of their premiers, except for the eighteen years when all plays were panned in Britain (1642 to 1660). His plays are studied in English, literature, drama, and theater classes throughout the world. His plays have been translated into virtually every known language.

Answer 6

by not giving up when the puritans tried to wipe out all Elizabethan theatre

Answer 7

Shakespeare was one of the great playwrights and actors of Elizabethan time. His plays were often performed in Elizabethan theater.

Answer 8

well it really didn't influence his plays that much even though a lot of his plays were based on events that occured during that era.

Answer 9

If there had not been a professional theatre industry, Shakespeare would not have written plays for it.