مؤلف: active 1600 Kemp William

William Kemp, active circa 1600, is principally known as an Elizabethan actor and a contemporary of William Shakespeare. Kemp distinguished himself as a master of physical comedy and rustic roles, most notably as an original performer of some of the Bard”s early plays. His talents were not confined solely to the theater; he is also remembered for his literary contribution “Kemps Nine Daies Wonder: Performed in a Daunce from London to Norwich”. This pamphlet recounts his morris dance from London to Norwich, an event Kemp undertook to both exploit and showcase his comedic genius, as well as to engage in a sort of publicity stunt. In this account, Kemp amalgamates humor with travel narrative, giving readers a glimpse not only into his theatricality but also the culture and society of Elizabethan England. “Kemps Nine Daies Wonder” is invaluable for its first-hand depiction of an actor”s life and public reception in a period when theater was blossoming. Kemp”s style, characterized by a conversational tone and sharp wit, indicates his dual prowess as both an actor and a writer. Though his legacy is overshadowed by some of his peers, his contribution to the Elizabethan theatre and literature still earns scholarly attention and literary appreciation.