The Legacy of James Burbage and the Evolution of Elizabethan Theatre

What was the first permanent theater?

The first Permanent Theatre was made by James Burbage, wich was one of the greatest ad the craft of carpentry, Bourge had varius talents : actor, builder and theatre owner. Burbage was descrideb as an handsome in appearancem he was the father of one of Shakespeare’s friends: Richard Burbage, who playes all the great roles in Shakespeare plays. In 1576, this was called the new playhouse theatre. From there was increase in the most requested plays throughout London. The theatre was designed as a costruction wich was similar to a small Roman amphitheatre. This allowed the new stage productions to become far more sophisticated. Plays featured the use of props such as canons (although these massive props often had to be left on stage for the entire performance) and a much larger stage area for the actors which was complete with trap-doors.

The reputation of Elizabethan theaters

The reputation of Elizabethan theatres was extremely bad. Theatres not only acted as a venue for plays but also supported gambling and blood sports. Plays attracted hundreds of people who unfortunately included undesirables, including thieves, harlots and pickpockets.

The Elisabeth theater rappresents the introduction of the professional actor, who belong to the theatre companies and who performed in shows of loos endecasyllables ( similar to Italian) that talk about non-religius enterataiment themes.

The Elizabethan age and drama

One of the most important achievements of the elisabeth age was the drama, with William Shakespeare, who was one of the most famous playwrights. The drama was widely used in the 16th century to entertain the public during the days. In addition to drama, there are also : historical dramas ( Henry The 5 ) , Romantic comedies ( Romeo and Juliet ) and comedies ( dream of a midsummer night ). Athe the end of 1550 ( fifteenfifty) the plays were formed in 5 acts, put into action with speeches and monologues. At the beginning the actors performed on the theatres in the taverns, so they were not fixed. The Puritans did not see it weel, beacouse for them the theatre was a vice.

The life of James Burbage

James Burbage was born around 1531, probably in Bromely in Kent. He was one of the greatest ad the craft of carpentry, wich gave him an advantage at his start of theatrical management later in his life.

Burbage had various talents , he was : an actor, builder and theatre owner. Burbage was descrideb ad handsome in appearance, charming in manner, honet, tactful and witty. He was the father of one of Shakespeare’s pesonal friends, Richiard Burbage, who playes all the great roles in Shakespeare plays. Borbage married Ellen Brayne, the dougher of Thomas Brayne, a Londo tailor and sister of his later buiness Partner John Brayne. Cuthbert Burbage, the elder son, followed in his father's footsteps as a theatre manager, while the younger son, Richard became one of the most celebrated actors of his era. He showed his talents alongside Shakespeare, both being co-owners of the Globe Theatre.James Burbage was buried in Shoreditch on 2 February 1597. He was buried a few hundred yards from St. Leonard's church, which is the burial ground for many other actors from this era. He died intestate (without a will). Having previously given his Blackfriars property to his son Richard and his personal property to his grandson Cuthbert, his widow presented an inventory valued at only £37. He died right before the lease expired on the Theatre, so after his passing his son Richard, rebuild a theatre across the Thames river and called it the Globe Theatre.