8-1Roles

**What parts did Shakespeare play in his own plays?** //Answer Prepared by Serena Shimshak:// Although Shakespeare is not known for his acting, he in fact did have parts in several plays. The Globe-Theatre.org supposes that Shakespeare began acting on stage by 1592, as there is a reference to this in Robert Greene’s Groatsworth of Wit. This following excerpt is what makes creates the belief that Shakespeare’s acting career began by 1592. “ His Tygers hart wrapt in a Players hyde//,// supposes he is as well able to bombast out a blank verse as the best of you: and being an absolute Iohannes face totum//,// is in his own conceit the only Shake-scene in a country.” Robert Green’s Groatsworth of Wit was published 17 days after his death on September 20, 1592.  Shakespeare never played large roles but instead minor parts in his own plays. Typically they were the parts of older men. Some of the various roles Shakespeare played include “As You Like It” in which he played Adam, a loyal, and elderly former servant of Sir Rowland De Bois headed into exile. Adam gives Sir Rowland his company and his life earnings to fund their journey. Shakespeare also took part in “Macbeth” playing King Duncan, ruler of Scotland who Macbeth murders in his attempt to gain the crown. Although Shakespeare is known for his admirable writing, he did partake in acting as well.

Along with his early acting career Shakespeare was a founder member of The Chamberlain’s Men Acting Troupe, also known as the most important company of players in Elizabethan England. This group was led by the Burbage family and William Shakespeare himself. The many other minor roles he played may not of gone down in history but they were definitely well done. According to Globe-Theatre.org, Nicholas Rowe, the first biographer of Shakespeare, quoted the role by William Shakespeare as “the Ghost in his own Hamlet” and that he was “the top of his performance.” Shakespeare’s short time as an actor helped him in his pursuit to become the distinguished playwright he is known for today.

One of the most admired actors during Shakespeare’s time was Edward Alleyn. __Annina Jokinen__ from Luminarium.org states, Edward was a part of many acclaimed acting groups such as Worcester’s Men in 1583, and Admiral’s men around 1587. He was the foremost actor to play parts in Marlowe’s Tamburlaine, Doctor Gaustus, and The Jew of Malta. Edward Alleyn received approbation from the critics in England for his fantastic performances. A ll in all Shakespeare was a fantastic actor, but his acclaimed works are what make the renowned writer we know him as today.

Works Cited: "Edward Alleyn." //Luminarium Encyclopedia Project//. Web.14 Apr 2009. [].

"Shakespeare's Actors." //Internet Shakespeare Editions//. Web.14 Apr 2009.[]. 