Closure of London Theatres in 1642

Name: Closure of London Theatres in 1642
Start: 1564-09-02
Location: Unspecified

The Impact of the 1642 Theatre Closures in London

In 1642, a significant turning point in the cultural landscape of England occurred when the English Long Parliament issued an Ordinance mandating the closure of all theatres in London. This decision had profound implications not just for the theatrical community but also for the cultural life of the nation. Among the affected venues was the renowned Globe Theatre, which had been a hub of theatrical innovation and a beloved location for audiences, once co-owned by the legendary playwright William Shakespeare.

The closure came as a result of rising tensions prior to the English Civil War. The Parliament aimed to suppress forms of entertainment that they deemed frivolous or incompatible with the serious political atmosphere. As theatres closed, the vibrant performance culture that had flourished in London faced a dramatic shift, forcing actors and playwrights to adapt to a new reality.

The Globe Theatre and William Shakespeare

The Globe Theatre stands as a lasting symbol of Elizabethan drama, where many of Shakespeare's most famous plays were performed. Opened in 1599, this wooden structure became integral to the arts, drawing audiences from all walks of life. Shakespeare's involvement with the Globe helped shape the theatre's reputation and allowed his works to gain immense popularity. The theatre's closure not only cut off a vital outlet for artistic expression but also ended an era of creativity that had thrived under Shakespeare's influence.

The Closure Consequences on Theatre Culture

The Parliament's Ordinance signified a broader cultural suppression during a tumultuous period in English history. With the theatres shuttered, many actors were left without a livelihood, leading to the diminishment of theatrical performances. Some actors turned to performing in private settings, but the grandeur and communal aspect of public theatre were lost. The receptions and interactions between actors and the audience that characterized the vibrant London theatre scene were drastically altered, creating a void in the cultural experience.

Shifting Cultural Dynamics During the Civil War

The closure of the theatres was just one aspect of a larger trend towards the regulation of public life during the English Civil War. As Parliament sought to impose order and morality, theatre was seen as a distraction from the pressing matters of governance and war.

The Rise of Alternative Forms of Entertainment

In absence of public performances, alternative forms of entertainment began to emerge. Literature became more prominent as people turned to reading plays and poetry at home. Additionally, underground performances became popular as artists looked to circumvent restrictions, allowing for a form of rebellion against the Parliament's censorship.

The Temporary Nature of the Closure

Several years later, following the restoration of the monarchy in 1660, theatres reopened, marking a rebirth of public performances. The experience of theatre during this time highlighted its resilience and the enduring human desire for storytelling, despite societal upheavals and restrictions. The legacy of the Globe and Shakespeare remained influential, paving the way for the flourishing of theatre in the Restoration period and beyond.

Fun Fact

Theatre as a Political Platform

Interestingly, the restriction on theatres led to some of the most innovative forms of theatre, as playwrights began to explore themes of resistance and power struggles, anticipating the complex relationship between theatre and politics that persists today.