The phenomenon of the court Masque in the creativity of English poet and playwright Benjamin Johnson

Abstract

The purpose of the study is to analyze the work of the English court playwright and poet B. Johnson, to identify the genre features andprinciples of dramaturgy in the structure of the musical-theatrical performances of Masques composed by B. Johnson. The research methodology assumes the unity of such methodological approaches as a system-historical and comparative analysis method. The system-historical method allows us to trace the main stages of the work of the playwright B. Johnson. The comparative method was applied to identify the genre features of B. Johnson's Masques and the basic principles of the genre's dramaturgy. Scientific novelty lies in an attempt to comprehend B. Johnson’s creative activity and determine the reasons for the flourishing of the Masques genre, which coincided with the period of B. Johnson’s work as a court playwright at the Stuart’s royal court. Conclusions. Thanks to the talent of B. Johnson, the Masque reaches its peak. It was revealed that the plots of Masques composed and staged on the White Hall stage by B. Johnson were associated with ancient themes, folklore and contemporary English plots. Medieval allegorism, characteristic of the early Tudor Masques in England, is being transformed into a form that is characterized by subtle poetry, intelligent dialogue, aristocratic dance and music, incorporating the best traditions of French and Italian musical culture. B. Johnson's Masques are complete, integral musical theatrical performances.