Constantine

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Historical Records

Performance Records (Henslowe's "diary")

A single record of performance survives in Henslowe’s accounts for early 1592 (new style):

Fol. 7/ (Greg I, 13)

Res at constantine the 21 of marche 1591

……………….

xijs

Theatrical Provenance

"Constantine" was apparently a feature of the repertory of Lord Strange's men from their offerings prior to the record keeping by Philip Henslowe that survives in the book of accounts popularly known as Henslowe's "diary." The company gave the play a single performance in the stretch from February 19—June 22, 1592.

Probable Genre(s)

History (?)

Possible Narrative and Dramatic Sources or Analogues

The title suggests a biopic of an historical Constantine, but scholars have differing opinions on which of those is the most likely (see Critical Commentary, below).

References to the Play

None known.

Critical Commentary

Malone, Collier, and Fleay did not guess at the identity of the title character, but Greg II suggested the Constantine who was the king of Britain and father of Uther and Uther Pendragon. By that suggestion Greg anticipated its being a prequel to plays the Admiral's men would offer in 1597.

Wiggins names two best-guess Constantines;