James Burbage

James Burbage

English actor, theater impresario, as well as carpenter and theater builder
Date of Birth: 07.01.1567
Country: Great Britain

Content:
  1. Biography of James Burbage
  2. Early Life and Career
  3. Personal Life and Partnership
  4. Building "The Theatre"
  5. Success and Legacy
  6. Partnership with Curtain Theatre
  7. Acquisition of Blackfriars Theatre
  8. Death and Legacy

Biography of James Burbage

James Burbage was an English actor, theatrical impresario, carpenter, and theater builder during the Renaissance period. He built the theater, which was appropriately named "The Theatre," and it was notable for being the first permanent theater in England since ancient Roman times.

Early Life and Career

Little is known about James Burbage's childhood and youth, and even the exact date of his birth is uncertain, somewhere between 1530 and 1535. It is known that he did not inherit any property and did not attend university. There is information that Burbage became an apprentice to a carpenter and worked diligently during his apprenticeship, eventually gaining independence from his master. He earned a living as a carpenter during this time. It is unclear how Burbage entered the theater, but by 1572, he was a member of the "Leicester's Men" company. He was highly talented and regarded as a professional in his field, often described as bridging the gap between English drama of the late Middle Ages and the flourishing Elizabethan theater.

Personal Life and Partnership

Burbage married Ellen Brayne, the sister of his business partner, and they settled in the parish of St. Leonard's in Shoreditch by 1576. They had two sons, Richard Burbage and Cuthbert Burbage. Richard Burbage became one of the most talented and renowned actors of his time, while Cuthbert followed in his father's footsteps and became a theater manager.

Building "The Theatre"

In 1576, Burbage and his business partner, John Brayne, a wealthy man, decided to build a new permanent theater for London's acting companies. They formed a partnership where Burbage invested his resources, and the future profits would be shared equally. The construction of "The Theatre" faced financial difficulties, forcing Burbage and Brayne to hold performances in the unfinished theater to generate funds for its completion. The money earned from ticket sales was also used for the theater's construction.

Success and Legacy

Despite the financial and legal disputes faced by its owners, "The Theatre" became a success. Burbage believed that people would come to see the plays at the theater, even if they had to travel through fields to reach it. It was described as a classic structure of its time, primarily built from wood, with dressing rooms and artistic facilities for the actors, galleries, and luxurious seating for privileged patrons.

Partnership with Curtain Theatre

In 1577, Henry Lanman built another theater, the Curtain Theatre, approximately 200 yards from "The Theatre." Rather than becoming rivals, Burbage and Lanman formed a close partnership, and both theaters combined their profits. The Curtain Theatre presented lighter plays, while "The Theatre" showcased more serious productions. As the quality and popularity of performances improved, more theaters, such as "The Rose" and "The Swan," emerged in the vicinity.

Acquisition of Blackfriars Theatre

In February 1596, Burbage purchased Blackfriars Theatre, located in a deserted Dominican monastery in southwest London, for 600 pounds. He planned to transform it into the first purpose-built indoor theater in England. However, in November, local residents successfully petitioned to forbid "The Lord Chamberlain's Men" from performing at Blackfriars Theatre.

Death and Legacy

James Burbage passed away three months after the incident and was buried in Shoreditch on February 2, 1597. He left his estate to his wife, Ellen. His sons used the wood and other materials from "The Theatre" to build the legendary Globe Theatre.

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