What did the Master of the Revels do in Elizabethan England?
The Master of the Revels was an important figure in Elizabethan England. Their primary role was to oversee the organization and management of court festivities, revels, and entertainment events. They were responsible for planning and executing royal masques, plays, pageants, and other forms of entertainment that were performed in the royal court or for important state occasions.
The duties of the Master of the Revels included selecting and licensing playwrights, actors, and musicians for court performances. They would review scripts, ensure that they were in line with the monarch's preferences and political agenda, and grant permission for their performance. They also supervised the construction and decoration of sets, costumes, and props for these events.
The Master of the Revels was also responsible for maintaining a high standard of performance and ensuring that the court entertainments were of the highest quality. They had the power to censor and edit plays to remove any content deemed inappropriate or offensive. Additionally, they supervised the logistics and organization of these events, overseeing the scheduling, ticketing, and seating arrangements.
In summary, the Master of the Revels played a crucial role in Elizabethan England by orchestrating and regulating the court entertainments and festivities, ensuring they were fitting for the monarch and the royal court. They held a position of authority and their influence extended to the literary and theatrical scene of the time.