Williams, Justine Isabella (2010) The Irish plays of James Shirley, 1636-1640. PhD thesis, University of Warwick.

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Abstract

Although he was a prominent and influential playwright during his theatrical career,
the work of James Shirley (1596-1666) has been neglected since Dryden's description
of him in 'MacFlecknoe' as a mere 'type...of tautology'. Shirley holds a unique place
amongst Caroline dramatists as, at the height of his career, he left London to become
resident playwright of the first purpose-built theatre in Ireland, the Werburgh Street
Theatre. This seminal event has received fairly little attention from scholars, and the
plays of this Irish period (The Royal Master, The Doubtful Heir, The Gentleman of
Venice, The Politician and St. Patrick for Ireland) have not previously been examined
as a whole.
This thesis examines Shirley's Irish period in its entirety, from the
circumstances surrounding his move to Dublin in 1636, through an exploration of his
relationship with the Werburgh Street Theatre and what influenced his Irish plays, to
the factors which resulted in his return to England in 1640. The thesis historicises the
production of these plays in their socio-political context. The chapters
(chronologically arranged by play) provide close textual studies and contextual
material relating the texts to their patrons, performance spaces, audiences, print history
and Irish politics. This research reveals that during this four year period, Shirley
gradually adapted his writing style in a targeted attempt to appeal to the tastes of the
Dublin audience. Shirley managed the theatre with John Ogilby, who was appointed
Master of the Revels in Ireland by Lord Deputy Wentworth. An analysis of the
relationship between these three key figures has contributed to a comprehensive
picture of the socio-political conditions of Shirley‘s writing. Through the investigation
of Shirley's work and professional position during this time, this thesis builds on
recent critical recovery work (including that by Hadfield/Maley, Rankin, Dutton) on
the literary-political circumstances of Stuart Ireland.

Item Type:	Thesis (PhD)
Subjects:	P Language and Literature > PR English literature
Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH):	Shirley, James, 1596-1666 -- Criticism and interpretation, Werburgh Street Theatre -- History -- 17th century, Irish drama
Official Date:	March 2010
Dates:	Date Event March 2010 Submitted
Institution:	University of Warwick
Theses Department:	Centre for the Study of the Renaissance
Thesis Type:	PhD
Publication Status:	Unpublished
Supervisor(s)/Advisor:	Grant, Teresa J. ; Bate, Jonathan
Sponsors:	Arts & Humanities Research Council (Great Britain) (AHRC)
Extent:	vi, 370 leaves
Language:	eng

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