The business of English Restoration theatre, 1660-1700 / Deborah C. Payne.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Payne, Deborah C., author.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Theater--Production and direction--England--History--17th century.

Theater.

Theater and society--England--History--17th century.

Theater and society.

Physical Description:

1 online resource (xii, 290 pages) : digital, PDF file(s).

Edition:

1st ed.

Place of Publication:

Cambridge : Cambridge University Press, 2024.

Summary:

Deborah C. Payne's ground-breaking study traces the historical origins of a dilemma still bedevilling theatre companies: how to reconcile audience demand for novelty with profitability. As a solution, English acting companies in 1660 adopted an unprecedented theatrical duopoly. Implicit to its economic logic were scarcity, prestige, and innovation: attributes that, it was hoped, would generate wealth and exclusivity. Changes to playhouse architecture, stagecraft, dramatic repertory, and company practices were undertaken to create this new, upmarket theatre of "great expences." So powerful was the promise of the duopoly and so enthralling the wholesale transformation of the theatrical marketplace that management--despite dwindling box office--resisted change for 35 years. Drawing upon network and behavioural economic theory, Professor Payne shows why the acting companies clung to an economic model inimical to their self-interest. Original archival research further bolsters this radically new perspective on an exciting and crucial period in English theatre. This title is also available as Open Access on Cambridge Core

Notes:

Title from publisher's bibliographic system (viewed on 18 Oct 2024).

Open Access.

ISBN:

9781009398220

1009398229

9781009398206

1009398202

9781009398244

1009398245