The University of Cambridge's rich history of student playwriting is a fascinating topic that often goes overlooked. While modern stars like Stephen Fry are celebrated, the early modern 'University Wits' played a pivotal role in shaping the Cambridge theatre scene. These playwrights, including Christopher Marlowe, Thomas Nashe, and Robert Greene, left an indelible mark on English drama, and their influence continues to resonate today.
Marlowe, best known for his play 'The Tragedy of Dr. Faustus', attended Cambridge in 1580, a time when the university was very different from what it is today. Yet, his literary journey began within the same educational and leisure traditions that define modern student life. The fact that English students now study his plays in the very institution he attended is a testament to the enduring impact of these early playwrights. It raises the question: who will be the next director, playwright, or actor to reshape the constructs of drama?
Marlowe's 'Tamburlaine the Great' is a prime example of his imaginative exploration of murder, politics, and power, themes that seem detached from the educational context of Cambridge. This contrast highlights the opportunity for Cambridge theatre enthusiasts to draw inspiration from the past and potentially shape the future of drama.
Thomas Nashe, a supposed friend of Marlowe, attended St John's College and earned a Lady Margaret scholarship. His works, such as the picaresque novel 'The Unfortunate Traveller', engaged with history and urban settings. Nashe, along with Marlowe, was a prominent figure under the 'University Wits' label, recognizing their significant contribution to English drama.
Robert Greene, another early modern playwright who attended Cambridge, is known for his reworking of typical romance novels and his pamphlets, including one about his own life. His comedy 'The Honorable Historie of frier Bacon, and frier Bongay' played with Medieval Romance, and his pastoral prose 'Pandosto' inspired Shakespeare's 'The Winter's Tale'. While records of his time at Cambridge are sparse, his education in an academic institution undoubtedly honed his writing skills.
What stands out in the works of these early modern playwrights is their ability to engage with social and political contexts. Marlowe explored religion, Nashe evaluated class, and Greene interrogated literary history. A common thread is their desire to engage with the world around them through their plays, a critical thinking approach that is still fostered in the Cambridge curriculum.
The influence of these early modern playwrights extends beyond their time. It serves as a prologue to the countless thespians who have studied at Cambridge since, including Emma Thompson, Peter Shaffer, and Sir David Hare. The Cambridge theatre scene is a living, breathing tradition that continues to evolve, thanks in part to the pioneering work of these 'University Wits'.
As Varsity, the independent newspaper for the University of Cambridge, faces financial challenges, it is crucial to recognize and celebrate the rich history of student playwriting. By supporting such initiatives, we can ensure that the Cambridge theatre scene continues to thrive and inspire future generations of playwrights and performers.
