by Jinny Webber | Mar 21, 2020 | Actors in plague time |
Here is Thomas Nashe’s poem, ‘A Litany in the Time of Plague,’ in full. Bubonic plague was way more vicious than Covid-19 with less medical understanding. So Nashe, also known for his satirical and erotic poems, may seem overly dramatic to our ears. But...
by Jinny Webber | Mar 21, 2020 | Actors in plague time, Gender fluidity, Sex and Gender in Shakespeare's England |
Ferdinand Stanley, Lord Strange “I thought I would say this poem tomorrow for the contest,” Nashe said. “But it occurs to me something more bawdy will better suit, and I have just the thing: the sad tale of Tomalin and his Frances. It’s called ‘The Choice of...
by Jinny Webber | Mar 20, 2020 | Actors in plague time, Christopher Marlowe, Gender fluidity, Sex and Gender in Shakespeare's England |
John Donne Awake early, I slipped out of bed, full of anticipation and a shadow of worry. In the kitchen Ella gave me apricots, bread, and a slice of ham. “I’m off for a bit of exploring,” I said, keeping my voice light. “I shall return before dinner.” Just before I...
by Jinny Webber | Mar 19, 2020 | Actors in plague time, Christopher Marlowe, Gender fluidity |
Tom Nashe “Good fortune that my father took you into North’s Men, Sander,” Jack said. Every topic seemed charged, but I had to brave it, oblivious as Jack seemed. “Remember your old friend Martin?” Mag asked. I shuddered at the name: I’d hardly call him friend! If I...
by Jinny Webber | Mar 18, 2020 | Actors in plague time, Gender fluidity, Sex and Gender in Shakespeare's England |
Will Kemp Love is a spirit all compact of fire, Not gross to sink, but light, and will aspire. “Venus and Adonis” Chapter XX June 1592 Raspberries and fresh cream were set out on the breakfast table. When I glanced at Kit, he winked back. I did my best to return a...
by Jinny Webber | Mar 17, 2020 | Actors in plague time, Boy actors on Shakespeare's stage, Christopher Marlowe, Gender fluidity |
Boy Actor At supper, Jack proposed a toast to my birthday. He pulled me into a jig, with Kemp making three. Shakespeare and Tom Nashe pounded on the table and Kit drank my health. They started reading Sir Philip Sidney’s poems as Kemp tried to drown them out singing...
