Topic 3 Popular Entertainment Flashcards
What were 3 forms of entertainment only enjoyed by the rich?
Hunting
Hawking
Archery
Where did nobles hunt?
Had their own deer parks
What did hawking involve?
Trained falcon/hawk to kill prey and return
What were 3 forms of entertainment enjoyed by all classes?
Dancing
Music and singing
Ball games
What were 2 ball games enjoyed by all classes?
Bowls and skittles
Which ball game became popular with the rich?
Tennis
What ball game was popular with the lower classes?
Football
What were 2 types of cruel sports?
Bear/bull baiting
Cockfighting
Who did cruel sports entertain?
Everyone in society
What was cockfighting?
Pair of birds fight in cockfighting pit, bet on by spectators
What was bear baiting?
Bear chained to wooden stake and attacked by dogs, spectators bet on how long dog would survive
What were bands of strolling players?
Wandering bands of players (actors) touring countryside
Where did bands of strolling players perform?
Town/village squares on portable stages
Who enjoyed watching bands of strolling players?
Lower classes
What did the authorities fear bands of strolling players performing plays would encourage?
Rebellion and disobedience
What led to the formation of theatre companies?
1572 law that banned strolling players unless they had a license
What were theatre companies set up with?
Financial support and patronage from nobility
What were 2 examples of theatre companies?
The Queens Men (formed 1583)
Lord Chamberlains men (formed 1594)
Why were permanent theatres built?
Theatre companies grew in popularity (performed for queen and court)
What was the first purpose-built theatre in London since Roman times?
The Theatre 1576
When was the Globe opened?
1599
What were 3 design features of theatres?
Round/octagonal shape
Open space in centre
Raised stage
Why were plays performed in the afternoon?
Daylight
How was the starting time of plays announced?
Flag flown/cannon sounded
Why were ticket prices cheap?
Poor stand in roofless central Pit
Who were all parts in plays played by?
Men
Who were 2 popular actors?
Richard Burbage (tragic)
Thomas Pope (comic)
Who were 2 playwrights?
Shakespeare
Christopher Marlowe
How many plays did Shakespeare write?
At least 37
What was Christopher Marlowe most known for?
Writing tragedies
What were 3 reasons for support of the theatre?
Cheap and popular
Message of obedience/loyalty to queen
Gripping storylines
Which 2 groups opposed the theatre?
Authorities
Puritans
Why did the authorities oppose the theatre?
Attracted beggars, pickpockets and spread disease
Why did the puritans oppose the theatre?
Work of devil, lacked decency and morals, encouraged sinful lifestyle
