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All Site ContentMidsummer Night's DreamAct 5Scene 1
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“manager of mirth”
Cultural Context
Act 5,
Scene 1
Lines 32-38

An explanation of the role of Philostrate's role as Master of Revels in Act 5, Scene 1 in myShakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream.

Theseus

Come now, what masques, what dances shall we have
To wear away this long age of three hours
Between our after-supper and bedtime?
Where is our usual manager of mirth?
What revels are in hand? Is there no play
To ease the anguish of a torturing hour?
Call Philostrate.

In Shakespeare's England, an important official at the royal court was the Master of Revels who arranged the entertainment for the king and his courtiers. One of his duties was to preview plays and pick the ones that he thought would please the king. Philostrate is Theseus’ Master of Revels.