After discussing the structuralism, post structuralism, Marxist, queer and feminist theories of dramatic action and dramaturgical development, the author posits an ontological (and refreshing) vision of Shakesprean stagecraft and dramatic movement. Shakespeare as an actor and Roman Catholic is an outsider in an early modern Protestant state in the process of dynamic cultural, economic reform and political repression. These themes are reflected in the unsettled, morally ambiguous characterizations that Professor Crosman studies: Hamlet, Polonius, Macbeth, Henry V and Falstaff among others. Also discussed are the emergent Latin, Greek and Italian literary modes and their effect on English theatrical prosody. “Shakespeare seen as an avatar of the existential and source of the profoundest tragic drama: one based on authentic loss. Solid scholarship and unusual insights into the Tudor diktatura. Recommended.” Simon Benfield, Society of Antiquaries