BOOK IV
THE PLAY-HOUSES
The world the stage, the prologue tears,
The acts vain hope and varied fears:
The scene shuts up with loss of breath,
And leaves no epilogue but death.
Henry King.
About This Book
This volume presents a comprehensive survey of theatrical companies, actors, and playhouses active in late Tudor and early Stuart England. It chronicles the origins, organization, patrons, touring practices, and repertories of boy and adult companies, and traces English troupes' travels at home and abroad. It reconstructs the public and private playhouses, describing their architecture, staging, and business practices, and examines legal, financial, and archival sources that document performances. Detailed bibliographical notes, company lists, and case studies illuminate the social, institutional, and material conditions shaping dramatic performance.