AYRER, JAKOB

(1543-1605)

Playwright. Ayrer wrote more than 100 plays, most for the performances in Nuremberg during Shrovetide. He wrote all of them in verse and was thought to have been acquainted with some plays byShakespeareby virtue of having witnessed performances by theEnglische Komödianten(English Comedians). He represents a continuation of theHans Sachstradition of popular performance in Nuremberg.