PRODUCTION King Lear [Lier zai ci]
Data Type：production background
Title：Biographical Record of William Shakespeare
Source：King Lear Premiere Program
Place：Taipei
Publisher：Contemporary Legend Theatre [Dangdai chuanqi juchang]
Date：2001/7
Language：English
Abstract：playwright's biography
William Shakespeare was born on April 23, 1564 in Stratford-on-Avon. The name William Shakespeare appears first on record under the date of his baptism, April 26, 1564, at the Church of the Holy Trinity, where he was to be buried just 52 years afterward.
He went to London from 1588. Around 1589 Shakespeare wrote his first play, Henry VI, Part I. In 1594 Shakespeare became a charter member of The Lord Chamberlain’s Men, a group of actors who later changed their name to The King’s Men when they gained the sponsorship of King James I. By 1598 he was “principal comedian” for the troupe, and by 1603 he was “principal tragedian.” Acting and writing plays at this time were not considered noble professions, but successful and prosperous actors were relatively well-respected. Shakespeare was very successful and made quite a bit of money. He invested this money in Stratford real estate and was able to purchase the second largest house in Stratford, the New Place, for his parents in 1597. At his age of 35, he invested in Globe Theatre, and he was also the actor member of this troupe. William Shakespeare retired at the age of 47.
Shakespeare wrote 37 plays, which were classified into Comedies, Tragedies, and Histories. Currently there are a lot of Shakespeare theatre companies and festivals performing Willy’s plays.
He went to London from 1588. Around 1589 Shakespeare wrote his first play, Henry VI, Part I. In 1594 Shakespeare became a charter member of The Lord Chamberlain’s Men, a group of actors who later changed their name to The King’s Men when they gained the sponsorship of King James I. By 1598 he was “principal comedian” for the troupe, and by 1603 he was “principal tragedian.” Acting and writing plays at this time were not considered noble professions, but successful and prosperous actors were relatively well-respected. Shakespeare was very successful and made quite a bit of money. He invested this money in Stratford real estate and was able to purchase the second largest house in Stratford, the New Place, for his parents in 1597. At his age of 35, he invested in Globe Theatre, and he was also the actor member of this troupe. William Shakespeare retired at the age of 47.
Shakespeare wrote 37 plays, which were classified into Comedies, Tragedies, and Histories. Currently there are a lot of Shakespeare theatre companies and festivals performing Willy’s plays.
