Political Theatre

Question 1

When was William Prynne arrested, and for which book?

Answer 1

For publication of The Player’s Scourge in 1633 - he condemned the theatre on moral grounds, but the judges ruled that the book if read would incite “disobedience to the state” - demonstrating the importance of theatre to governmental rule

Question 2

What does Steven Greenblatt insist?

Answer 2

Early modern theatre was itself a ‘social event’ ; thus theatricality was itself a ‘political mode’

Question 3

What does Michael Hattaway suggest actors were viewed as?

Answer 3

‘anatomizers of the age, fulfilling some of the functions of journalists or political commentators’ not just ‘entertainment’