SH+P4+2015+The+King’s+Men

__MacBeth Background Information: The King’s Men__

Audience: Angela The King’s Men was an acting group in England. Formerly known as Lord Chamberlain’s Men, during Queen Elizabeth’s reign. This group of actors travelled across England to entertain the wealthy and powerful people of that era. Among those, William Shakespeare performed. During this time, Shakespeare wrote two of the plays they performed, which allowed his work to be spread throughout the country. “By 1608 the King's Men had a permanent winter home at the [|Blackfriars Theatre] and they played to a mostly rich and well-educated audience”(Mabillard). As a prestigious acting group, the group of men had to exclusively for the important people. While the plays were originally written, they were intended for the higher class; therefore, the lower class may not have understood the references in the play.

Works Cited: Mabillard, Amanda. Shakespeare Q & A: The King's Men. //Shakespeare Online//. 27 October 2015

Historical Implications: Jackie

Theater is an art form that generates creative outlooks on life, and humor, by staging people as humans other than themselves. The King’s Men, a theater troupe, was inspired by King James I of England. During his kingmanship, in 1608, the plague mangled Europe, causing most theaters to close. When the King’s Men was formed, theater was able to not only be further appreciated, but spread amongst many. The King’s Men also founded Jacobean drama, a new style of theater. Without the continuation of theater that the King’s Men created, theater, and works of art such as Shakespeare, may have never been as enhanced or acclaimed as they are today.

Works Cited: Mabillard, Amanda. Shakespeare Q & A: The King's Men. //Shakespeare Online.// 27 October 2015

Aim: Breanna The King’s Men were the actors for William Shakespeare for most of his career. They were more formally known as The Lord Chamberlain’s Men. The author of this article had the purpose of informing the readers about the history and reason of being one of The King’s Men. He describes different time periods when The King’s Men were around, and how they evolved and changed. The author illustrates, “In their first winter season, between December 1603 and February 1604 the company performed eight times at court and in their second, from November 1604 through February 1605, eleven times at Court, including seven plays by Shakespeare and two by [|Ben Jonson] ” (wikipedia.com). As seen in the quote above, The King’s Men performed most of the well known and admired plays. They grew in size over the many successful years, and inspired many people. They also brought the writing and thoughts of William Shakespeare to life.

Works Cited: “Wikipedia.” Wikipedia. //Wikimedia Foundation//, Web. 26 Oct. 2015

Cultural Implications: Together

After Queen Elizabeth passed away, King James of Scotland became England’s monarch. Due to the plague, and his love for theater, James provided the King’s Men many jobs. Therefore, “By 1608 the King's Men had a permanent winter home at the [|Blackfriar's Theatre] and they played to a mostly rich and well-educated audience”(Mabillard). Due to Shakespeare and his group’s connection to King James and people of the king’s prestige, they were able to write plays that were able to be connected with. Macbeth was primarily written as a warning to King James, so he would not abuse his power. Shakespeare’s author to audience connection make his plays have more impact. Works Cited: Mabillard, Amanda. Shakespeare Q & A: The King's Men. //Shakespeare Online//. 27 October 2015