If the tag rag people did not clap him and hiss him, according as he pleased and displeased them... I am no true man

If the tag rag people did not clap him and hiss him, according as he pleased and displeased them... I am no true man

In the world of William Shakespeare, the relationship between actors and their audience was a crucial element of the theatrical experience. The quote, “If the tag rag people did not clap him and hiss him, according as he pleased and displeased them... I am no true man,” speaks to the importance of the audience’s reaction in determining the success or failure of a performance.

Shakespeare himself was keenly aware of the power of the audience in shaping the reception of his plays. The quote, which comes from his play “As You Like It,” reflects the idea that an actor’s worth is ultimately determined by the response of the crowd. In the context of the play, the character Touchstone is expressing his belief that his talent as a performer is validated by the reactions of the “tag rag people” – the common folk who make up the audience.

For Shakespeare, the relationship between actor and audience was a complex and dynamic one. The audience’s reactions could range from enthusiastic applause to disapproving hisses, and it was up to the actor to gauge and respond to these signals. In many of Shakespeare’s plays, characters directly address the audience, breaking the fourth wall and inviting them to participate in the action on stage. This interaction between actor and audience created a sense of immediacy and intimacy that was unique to the Elizabethan theater.