Puritans, Politicians and Renaissance Theatre
Religious and Political Pressures Closed Entertainment Venues
Nov 1, 2009
Theatricals were under the protection of the queen and nobles who were enthusiastic patrons. The Puritans agitated against theatre for about fifty years. Using scripture, they made a powerful case that was accepted by many as authoritative.
City of London Corporation
Resentment of play actors and playhouses was frequently displayed by members of the Corporation. Their stated reasons for opposition to theatricals:
- Opportunities for lawlessness and violence
- Traffic congestion in the growing, crowded city
- Danger of plague spreading
With royal protection, the Corporation was often outwitted. Plays advertised as ‘rehearsals’ for the Court were frequently presented and open to the public.
Puritans
The Puritans’ movement began in 16th century England to bring about religious, societal, and moral reforms. The main concern expressed by some was Sunday playing, and usage of Bible stories on stage. The strictest among them believed that all pleasures were sinful. While they strenuously opposed all theatricals, they were not alone. Others believed that “disguise is sinful and imitation a form of lying”.
A clergyman who was not a Puritan claimed that theatricals caused the plague. He added that when the plague did not occur, the plays’ ungodliness caused it to return as a curse.
When a brawl occurred outside a theatre, the ‘good people’ decided that it was a sign against the profession brought by the wrath of God.
When reminded that the Church had utilized play acting to teach lessons, people argued that theatricals should be banned because they were popish.
Royal Proclamation by James I
Queen Elizabeth’s successor, James I of England (James VI of Scotland), issued a proclamation that forbade plays and similar entertainments on Sunday. He also removed licensing privileges from the nobles. In 1624, the function of stage censorship was transferred to the Lord Chamberlain. He gave the responsibility to the Master of the Revels who tightly controlled professionals’ activities.
Plays became less coarse and more political. Emboldened by James’ love of theatre, playwrights and actors ridiculed public figures and insulted the pious.
Not all Puritans opposed the theatre. Shakespeare’s patron, the 3rd Earl of Pembroke, was a Puritan in the government of James. Oliver Cromwell, who emerged as leader of the Parliamentary Puritans, had as his chaplain a man who admired and quoted Shakespeare.
King Charles I met great opposition from the Puritan Parliament for many reasons. Among the issues was his great extravagances connected to the theatre. As difficulties increased, pamphlets and petitions described the stage as immoral and indecent. Old arguments heard in the 16th century were revived.
The Player’s Scourge
Puritan William Prynne’s Histriomastix (The Player’s Scourge) that was published in 1632 is a strong critique of professional theatre and actors. It clearly presents the Puritans’ belief that plays were condemned by scripture, unlawful, and incentives to immorality.
In 1642, an ordinance issued by Parliament suppressed all stage plays. The stated reason was that during difficult times (Civil War), diversions and amusements were not appropriate. There was no indication that consideration was given to the peoples’ need of diversion.
A more stringent order was issued in 1647 as a consequence of infractions. Soon after, all actors were officially described as rogues and vagabonds. Justices of the Peace were authorized to demolish all theatres. Some of the punishments ordered:
- Performing actors’ first offense would result in whippings
- For a second offense, actors would be treated as incorrigible rogues who could be banished “beyond the seas”
- Audience members would be fined five shillings
Some members of the nobility privately welcomed players into their homes to perform. Small companies of comedians performed at venues such as universities far from the city. Furious zealots attempted to prevent all performances.
Politicians, Puritan or not, feared disorder by large assemblies of poor and hungry unemployed people. Records indicate that it may have been fear of possible rioting that caused the closing of theatres by Parliament. However, records also show that the Puritan campaign against all frivolous endeavors was strong incentive for the closures.
Related Articles:
Sources:
- English Actors: From Shakespeare to Macready by Henry Barton Baker, Henry Holt & Company Publishers, 1879
- Puritanism and Theatre by Margot Heinemann, Cambridge University Press, 2007
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