Sir Richard Baker, in his chronicle history, refers to Shakespeare as being both player and poet. “For writers of Plays and such as had been Players themselves, William Shakespeare and Benjamin Johnson (sic) have specially left their names recommended to posterity.” Mr. Greenwood, in his latest book (1916), entitled Is there a Shakespeare Problem? states that Baker was not a contemporary of Shakespeare; this is a gross error, perhaps purposely perpetrated in order to maintain a foolish theory that the actor Shakespeare was not the author of the plays. Baker was born in the year 1568, and died in 1645.
CHAPTER VI
COURT PERFORMANCES
During the reigns of Elizabeth and James, Court performances were frequently given, especially during the religious holidays. All the well-known London companies appeared at Court nearly every year, and were liberally remunerated for their services. Documentary evidence is in existence stating the exact fees paid to the actors, and the names in some instances of the plays performed.
Shakespeare is known to have taken part in several of the Court functions; many of his own dramas were presented before the Queen, and although nowhere expressly stated, he, no doubt, acted in them before the royal audience. These performances were given at the different palaces where the Court happened to be assembled. The Royal residences were numerous, and contemporary records prove that dramatic entertainments were represented at each of them on several occasions. The enthusiasm which Elizabeth displayed towards the drama must, in a great measure, account for its continued success and development. Without the Court patronage, the City and Local Authorities, in their blind prejudice against all kinds of entertainment, would certainly have taken drastic measures to drive the actors out of the Metropolis: and in their idiotic rage against the theatre, might have gone so far as to prohibit the actors from following the profession.
M. William Shak-speare:
HIS
True Chronicle Historie of the life and
death of King LEAR and his three
Daughters.