
early modern English theatre
Early modern English theatre, spanning roughly from the late 15th to the early 17th century, was a vibrant period marked by the development of professional playhouses and a flourishing of dramatic writing. It includes the works of notable playwrights like William Shakespeare and Christopher Marlowe. The era saw innovations such as elaborate costumes, indoor stage performances, and more complex storytelling. Plays ranged from comedies and tragedies to histories, reflecting social, political, and philosophical themes of the time. This period significantly shaped Western theatre, influencing modern drama with its emphasis on character, language, and dramatic structure.