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Seriously...

True Crime 1599

May 14, 2024
Author Charles Nicholl takes us back to the Elizabethan era, discussing true crime plays performed on English stages in 1599. The podcast explores the competition between Shakespeare's company and the Admiral's Men, the sociological aspects of murder in theatrical narratives, and the gruesome world of staging body dismemberment scenes in theater. It also delves into the blurred lines between reality and fiction in true crime dramas, and the early fascination with true crime in Elizabethan times.
28:38

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • True crime plays in Elizabethan era mirrored contemporary society's dark underbelly through dramatizations of real murder cases.
  • Early crime dramas set the foundation for documentary-style narratives reflecting ordinary people's lives and struggles.

Deep dives

Theatrical Competition in Elizabethan London

In 1599, the Rose Theatre and the Globe Theatre competed fiercely for audiences in Elizabethan London. Shakespeare's company faced pressure as they contended with rival theaters and strove for success in a ratings war similar to contemporary streaming platforms. Theatrical productions in this period, including true crime dramas, captivated audiences with raw and often sensational portrayals of real-life murder cases.

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