Why Were All Theatres in London Closed for 2 Years?

By Robert Palmer

In the year 1592, all theatres in London were closed down for a period of two years. The reason for this sudden closure was due to the outbreak of the bubonic plague. The bubonic plague was a deadly disease that spread rapidly and killed over 15,000 people in London alone.

The impact on theatre

The closure of the theatres had a significant impact on theatre as an art form. Theatres were an integral part of the cultural fabric of London, and with their closure, actors and playwrights were left without work. Many actors resorted to traveling outside London to perform in other cities where they could find work.

Theatre during the plague

During this time, some actors continued to perform in secret locations despite the ban on theatres. However, these performances were risky as they could attract unwanted attention from authorities. Some playwrights also continued to write plays despite the ban on theatre performances.

Theatre after the plague

When the ban on theatres was lifted in 1594, many changes had occurred in theatre productions. One significant change was that plays began to be performed indoors instead of outdoors. This shift allowed for more elaborate sets and special effects, which added a new dimension to theatre productions.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the two-year closure of all theatres in London due to the bubonic plague had a significant impact on theatre as an art form. Despite this setback, theatre continued to evolve and adapt even after its reopening. Today, we can still see traces of this evolution in modern-day theatrical productions.