2.+Shakespeare+in+Theater

 **Shakespeare As A Playwright** **Shakespeare arrived in London in either 1587 or 1588, where he quickly became involved in theater. Shakespeare was definitely in London by 1592, when Robert Greene, a Cambridge graduate and another playwright, publicly criticized him. Greene wrote about Shakespeare's decision to rise from his position as an actor to a playwright, and stated that Shakespeare would never be successful as a playwright.** The public soon proved that they disagreed with Greene. Greene died just as his pamphlet was being published, so his friend, Henry Chettle, came forward and publicly apologized for Greene's attack on Shakespeare. Chettle commended Shakespeare for his writing abilities. Shakespeare rose quickly as a playwright. Shakespeare's fame began in 1593 when he wrote the narrative poem, Venus and Adonis. The next year, he produced the poem Lucrece, and both were dedicated to the Earl of Southampton, a young nobleman. **Shakespeare worked with one theater company from 1594-1613. Although the company evolved over the years, Shakespeare consistently worked with actors Will Kemp and Richard Burbage.** Although men associated with theater were technically considered low class in legal matters, successful actors and directors were treated as nobility. With time, Shakespeare gained great fame and success as a playwright. With this success, **Shakespeare's company was able to expand. In 1599, Shakespeare and others from his company, now called Lord Chamberlain's men, were able to expand and finance the creation of the Globe Theater.**

