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Thanks Tracey.

Sorry for not being clear.  The point is whether or not these efforts  
by Burbage and/or his brother-in-law were the first in Europe.  I  
know it's hard to prove a negative, so I guess what I'm asking is  
whether anyone knows of any such theaters in other European nations  
or of any books or articles that deal with this question. There were  
what seem to be similar theaters in Italy, chiefly in Vicenza, but  
these were temporary structures, not meant to be permanent as were  
the Brayne-Burbage buildings.  So far my rather cursory efforts via  
online sources to locate similar theaters in other countries have  
come up empty.  Any suggestions would be most welcome.

Thanks again.

Stephanie

On Oct 26, 2009, at 8:24 AM, Tracey Hill wrote:

> Hello Stephanie,
>
> latest scholarship in this field suggests that the first purpose- 
> built playhouse in London was in fact the Red Lion to the east of  
> the City of London at Mile End, dating from 1567. Most good theatre  
> histories would provide more information on this playhouse: The  
> Cambridge History of British Theatre, vol. I, would be a good place  
> to start.
>
> Best wishes
>
> Tracey Hill
>
> Dr Tracey Hill
> Head of Department of English & Cultural Studies
> Bath Spa University
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: REED-L: Records of Early English Drama Discussion on behalf  
> of Stephanie Hughes
> Sent: Mon 10/26/2009 11:50 AM
> To: [log in to unmask]
> Subject: Was Burbage's Theatre the first of its kind in Europe?
>
> In researching Early Modern theater in England, it seems that
> Burbage's Theatre, built in 1576, may have been the first permanent
> yearround public stage, not only in London or England, but in all of
> Europe.  There were similar temporary stages in Italy, and indoor
> theaters that came and went, but so far I've found no large outdoor
> commercial stages built to be permanent before Burbage's.  If someone
> has any thoughts on this, or can suggest where else to look, I'd be
> most grateful.
>
> Stephanie Hopkins Hughes
> Nyack, NY
>
> [log in to unmask]