PLAYING COMPANY Meaning and
Definition
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A playing company refers to a group of actors who worked closely together to perform plays during the Elizabethan and Jacobean eras in England. These companies were predominantly active during the late 16th and early 17th centuries.
During this period, theater was highly popular, and playing companies held a significant role in delivering live performances to the public. These companies consisted of a core group of actors, commonly referred to as the troupe or the company, who traveled together and performed in various venues such as theaters, city halls, or even private households. The leading actors within the group were often referred to as the shareholders or the sharers.
The playing companies were responsible for staging different types of plays, including tragedies, comedies, and historical dramas, written by renowned playwrights like William Shakespeare, Christopher Marlowe, and Ben Jonson, among others. They would frequently perform in theaters such as The Globe or The Rose, where actors would rehearse, learn their lines, and prepare for their performances.
Playing companies were financially sustained through their share in box office earnings, which they acquired by selling tickets to the public. These companies maintained a steady schedule of performances, often putting on several plays per week to satisfy the demand for theatrical entertainment.
Overall, playing companies played an instrumental role in shaping the landscape of theater during the Elizabethan and Jacobean periods, and were crucial in spreading the popularity of theatrical art forms throughout England.
Etymology of PLAYING COMPANY
The word "playing company" originated in the late 16th century in England and is derived from the combination of two separate words.
The term "playing" refers to the act of performing on stage or playing a role in a theatrical production. It has its roots in the Old English word "plegan", which means "to exercise, frolic, or engage in games".
The word "company" comes from the Old French word "compagnie", which means "society" or "group". It has its origins in the Latin word "companio", derived from "com" (with) and "panis" (bread), indicating individuals who share meals together, hence forming a close-knit group.
When combined, "playing company" refers to a group of actors who come together to perform plays or theatrical productions.
