Theatre Controversy and Public Fears Flashcards

1️⃣ Familiarise yourself with the flashcards:

  • Look through all the flashcards to see what's on both sides.
  • Make sure you understand the information on each card. If something's unclear, click the link to the revision notes at the bottom of the page for more details.

2️⃣ Test yourself:

  • Look at the question or prompt on each card and try to remember the answer before flipping it over.
  • Check the answer and make a note of any cards you find challenging and need to go over more.

3️⃣ Consistently Review and Practice:

  • Use spaced repetition: spend more time on the cards you struggle with and go over them more often.
  • Regularly review all the flashcards to help you better understand and retain the information over time.

Note: We may include questions that have multiple correct answers. It's useful to remember specific examples to understand these concepts better.

PERSONALISED 1-TO-1 TUTORING

Need more help on this topic? Get 1-to-1 support

Get support with clear explanations, practice and feedback (Ages 5 to 16).

  • DBS-checked tutors
  • Flexible times
  • Parents can be updated

Want an ad-free experience? Subscribe to remove ads

Why did many Puritans in Elizabethan England dislike the theatre?

They thought plays were sinful, used bad language, and tempted people away from prayer and Bible study.

Why did some city leaders link theatres with crime and bad behaviour?

They believed theatres attracted pickpockets, prostitutes and drunken crowds, which could lead to fights and disorder.

Why were large theatre crowds feared during outbreaks of plague?

People stood close together, so leaders feared disease would spread quickly through the packed audiences.

What action did the authorities often take against theatres during times of plague?

They ordered theatres to close to stop large crowds gathering and to limit the spread of disease.

Why did the government worry about the political messages in plays?

They feared plays could criticise the queen or her advisers and might stir up rebellion or unrest.

What was the job of the Master of the Revels?

He had to read, approve and license plays, and he could cut or ban any parts seen as dangerous or offensive.

Why were most purpose-built theatres placed outside the City of London walls?

The city council banned theatres inside the city because of fears about crime, disease and bad morals, so they were built in suburbs like Southwark.

What did the 1572 Vagabonds Act say about actors without a master or patron?

It classed actors without an employer as vagabonds, who could be whipped or punished for wandering and begging.

How did having a wealthy patron reduce official fears about an acting company?

A patron, such as a lord, promised that the company was loyal and respectable, which made the government trust them more.

Why did some employers and city leaders say theatres encouraged idleness?

They claimed that apprentices and workers skipped work to watch plays instead of doing their jobs.