King's Men
The King's Men was a prominent English acting company established during the reign of King James I. Here are some detailed aspects of the company:
Formation
- The company was originally known as Lord Chamberlain's Men, founded in 1594.
- Upon the ascension of James I to the throne in 1603, the company was granted the title of King's Men as part of the royal patronage.
Members and Key Figures
Theatres
Plays and Performances
- They were known for performing Shakespeare's works, including premieres like "Macbeth", "King Lear", and "The Tempest".
- The company also staged plays by other notable playwrights like Ben Jonson and John Fletcher.
Patronage and Royal Connection
- The royal patronage provided the company with a level of prestige, financial security, and protection from the authorities.
- King James I and his court were known to attend performances, which further elevated the status of the company.
Disbandment
- The King's Men continued to perform until the closure of the theatres in 1642 due to the Puritan opposition to stage plays during the English Civil War.
Legacy
- The company's legacy is significant in the development of English theatre, particularly through its association with Shakespeare.
- Many of Shakespeare's plays were first performed by the King's Men, influencing theatre practices and literary traditions.
External Links
Related Topics