All the World is a Stage

“All the world is a stage”, as Shakespeare had once said. Alas, the Elizabethan Age, when the social values and political ideals of the people were communicated through the theatre. Their world then was considered a stage; their life then, was considered a play; but ‘tis not the same today. Today is the world of Justin Bieber, singing cheesy love songs. It’s at times like these, when civilized members of our society like I ponder upon the compelling question: was the theatre of the Elizabethan Age yesterday a mere reflection of the social values and political ideals of the people? And if so, does it remain the same today?

Similar to how the tranquil lake reflects the crisp glowing moon up above our heads; the Elizabethan theatre was reflected by the social values and political ideals of those that the people then held. Every play was bound to have been impacted by the politics and social values that have been apparent in the society. The play of King Richard the 3^rd, for example, was considered quite grand of a play and was structured off King Richard the 3^rd’s tragic history. The people back then really feed on tragic stories, people like it for some strange reasons and therefore act it out. This play is based around the politics from that time and played a huge role in establishing certain values. In other words, in the Elizabethan Age, entertainment revolved around politics; no theatric play would be complete without it. Really, acting plays then weren’t for the sake of becoming famous or rich. It was to help communicate their history and showcase their art. We can also take a look at the oh so famous play: Romeo and Juliet; throughout the play, their society’s social values would be clear; it could largely relate to the law in those days when arranged marriages were the trend and the daughter (in most cases) had absolutely no say for their future. Yet another example would be the tragic story of Hamlet. It’s based around the Kingdom of Denmark and talks upon the dangerous competition of the fight to become the heir of the royal throne.

There are the beautiful plays in the Elizabethan age, and then there’s today’s entertainment industry. Like Venus and Earth, politics/ social values and the present entertainment industry, there is not a solid relationship between them. For the most part, they go on their own orbit around the sun and only meet up once in a long time. Today’s people practically feed off the entertainment industry. “BEYONCE”S PREGNANT? NO WAY!” To be harsher, it seems as if the sole purpose to entertain and entertain only has disappeared; now, it’s all about the money and fame. What has happened to our society? Has Hollywood taken over our world?! Nonetheless, it is still possible for some politics to come into play in the entertainment business. Even stranger, the popular members of politics are slowly becoming prominent idols in the entertainment realm we live in today.

Long story short, before the politic ideals and social values were reflected in the theatre during the time of the Elizabethan age. Today, politics in general and the entertainment industry pretty much live in their own little worlds; seemingly completely oblivious of each other with minimal interaction. In the past 4 centuries, the way we view our world, or vice versa the way the world views us has changed drastically. Albeit, we cannot stop time from ticking past us; and each tick or tock evokes change on earth. As human beings we are better off to accept the reality to avoid being yelled at by Bieber’s mob of girl fans.