Generic Innovation in Shakespeare and His Contemporaries

This book investigates generic change in early modern theatre across multiple genres, challenging traditional views of genre and change. It argues that competition within the dramatic field drove innovation and that well-known plays and lesser-known texts contributed to this process.

Format: Hardback
Length: 312 pages
Publication date: 30 September 2023
Publisher: Edinburgh University Press

Introduction:
The study of genre in early modern theatre has long been a subject of fascination for scholars, as it provides a window into the complex and evolving nature of theatrical production during this period. While much attention has been paid to the development of specific genres such as tragedy and comedy, there has been less focus on the broader patterns of generic change and innovation that occurred across a wide range of theatrical genres. This book seeks to rectify this imbalance by examining generic change and innovation across a broad range of genres in early modern theatre.

Generic Change and Innovation:
In order to understand generic change and innovation in early modern theatre, it is necessary to examine both well-known plays and lesser-known texts. By doing so, we can gain a deeper understanding of the ways in which theatrical genres were shaped and transformed over time. One of the key findings of this book is that generic change and innovation were not solely the result of artistic experimentation or individual creativity, but were also driven by competition within the dramatic field. Playwrights and theatre companies were constantly striving to outdo each other, and this competition led to the development of new genres and the refinement of existing ones.

Well-known Plays and Lesser-known Texts:
To make its case about genre and change in early modern theatre, this book draws on a wide range of sources, including theatre history, book history, and literary criticism. It examines both well-known plays such as Shakespeare's Hamlet and Macbeth, as well as lesser-known texts such as John Fletcher's The Maid's Tragedy and Thomas Middleton's The Changeling. By analyzing these texts in detail, the book demonstrates how generic change and innovation were shaped by a variety of factors, including the social and political context of the time, the audience's expectations, and the technological advancements of the theatrical industry.

Historical Account of Generic Change:
In addition to discussing generic change and innovation in terms of competition within the dramatic field, this book also presents an historical account of generic change in early modern theatre. It traces the development of theatrical genres from the late sixteenth century to the early eighteenth century, and highlights the key moments and events that shaped the evolution of theatrical genres. For example, the book discusses the rise
introduction of new genres such as tragedy and comedy, the rise of the Restoration comedy, the popularity of tragicomedy, and the emergence of the genre of the closet drama.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, this book provides a comprehensive and innovative analysis of generic change and innovation in early modern theatre. By examining both well-known plays and lesser-known texts, it demonstrates how competition within the dramatic field drove the development of new genres and the refinement of existing ones. It also presents an historical account of generic change that traces the development of theatrical genres from the late sixteenth century to the early eighteenth century. This book will be of interest to scholars and students of early modern theatre, as well as anyone with an interest in the history of literature and the performing arts.

Weight: 614g
Dimension: 240 x 160 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781474496735