* Natural Light: Plays were performed during daylight hours, limited by the setting sun. This meant a play couldn't exceed the time available for daylight.
* Audience Attention: Audiences were expected to stand for the entire performance, and attention spans were likely shorter than today. Plays had to be engaging and captivating to keep the audience's interest.
* Content and Structure: Plays often had complex plots, multiple subplots, and elaborate characters. This required time for development, but also meant that scenes could be cut or condensed if necessary.
Estimated Length:
While exact times are difficult to pinpoint, most Elizabethan plays likely lasted between 2-3 hours. This is significantly shorter than many modern plays.
It's important to note that the time limit was less about a strict rule and more about practicalities and audience expectations.