Jacobean Study Day (Part Two) with Robert Jones
Sunday 21st February 2016
The Bookshop, 9 High Street, Ely, CB7 4LJ
2pm
Following on from last October’s study day, Robert Jones completes his introduction to the colourful world of Jacobean Drama by looking in more detail at the work of Ben Jonson and Thomas Middleton – after Shakespeare, the two dominant playwrights of the period. Personal rivals with sharply contrasting styles and attitudes, each produced masterpieces that continue to be revived successfully on the modern stage. A flamboyant figure of immense learning, possessed of a dazzling mastery of language, Jonson created plays of unique and brilliant artistry whilst the prolific Middleton, deeply immersed in the turbulent culture of the city, proved adept at everything from racy urban comedy to stark Italianate tragedy producing, with his final play, the greatest and most scandalous theatrical hit of the age.
This afternoon study session does not assume any previous knowledge and no prior reading is required though attendees may wish to look at the following plays: Ben Jonson- Every Man in his Humour
- Volpone
- The Alchemist
- Sejanus, his Fall
- Bartholomew Fair
- Eastward Ho ! (with Marston and Chapman)
- A Trick to Catch the Old One
- A Mad World, My Masters
- The Roaring Girl (with Dekker)
- A Chaste Maid in Cheapside
- Women Beware Women
- The Changeling (with Rowley)
- A Game at Chess