Playing companies and commerce in Shakespeare's time
By: by Roslyn Lander Knutson.
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Published: 2001
Place of publication: Cambridge, U.K; New York
Language: eng
Number of pages: 198
Subjects: Shakespeare, William, 1564-1616 -- Stage history -- To 1625; Shakespeare, William, 1564-1616 -- Stage history -- England -- London; Theatrical companies -- England -- London -- History -- 16th century; Theatrical companies -- England -- London -- History -- 17th century; Theater -- England -- London -- History -- 16th century; Theater -- England -- London -- History -- 17th century; Theater -- Economic aspects -- England -- London; London (England) -- Commerce
Description: "Playing Companies and Commerce in Shakespeare's Time examines the nature of commercial relations among the theatre companies in London during the time of Shakespeare. Roslyn Knutson argues that the companies cooperated in the adoption of business practices that would enable the theatrical enterprise to flourish.

Suggesting the guild as a model of economic cooperation, Knutson considers the networks of fellowship among players, the marketing strategies of the repertory, and company relationships with playwrights and members of the book trade. The book challenges two entrenched views about theatrical commerce: that companies engaged in cut-throat rivalry to drive one another out of business, and that companies based business decisions on the personal and professional quarrels of the players and dramatists with whom they worked.

This important contribution to theatre history will be of interest to scholars of drama and literature as well as historians."--BOOK JACKET.
Notes: Includes bibliographical references (p. 177-187) and index.