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 Cambridge's theatrical legacy. 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 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 conjecture that Marlowe wrote Tamburlaine the Great during his time at Cambridge adds an intriguing layer to his legacy. His plays, with themes of murder, politics, and power, seem detached from the educational context, showcasing his imagination and critical thinking.
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 and Marlowe were among the well-known figures under the 'University Wits' label, recognizing their significant contribution to English drama.
Robert Greene, a lesser-known playwright who attended Cambridge earlier in the same century, is notable for his reworking of romance novels and his pamphlets. His comedy The Honorable Historie of frier Bacon, and frier Bongay played with Medieval Romance, and his prose in Pandosto inspired Shakespeare's The Winter's Tale. Greene's education at an academic institution undoubtedly honed his writing skills.
What stands out in these early modern playwrights' work is their ability to engage with social and political contexts. Marlowe explored religion, Nashe evaluated class, and Greene interrogated literary history. A common thread of critical thinking and engagement with current issues is evident in their plays. These playwrights left Cambridge with a yearning to engage with the world through their art, a tradition that continues to thrive in the Cambridge curriculum today.
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 has been shaped by these playwrights, and their impact will continue to be felt by future generations. The University of Cambridge's rich history of student playwriting is a testament to the power of art in shaping society and the enduring legacy of these early modern playwrights.
