Nathan Field was a prominent actor of England’s Elizabethan stage, whose career spanned the late sixteenth and early seventeenth centuries. Baptized on October 17, 1587 in London, he emerged as a notable performer during a period of significant theatrical development. His involvement with several leading companies positioned him among the most recognizable figures of his time.
Early Life and Education
Field received his early education at St. Paul’s School in London, an institution that cultivated many of the era’s literary and artistic talents. The rigorous curriculum provided a foundation for his subsequent engagement with the performing arts. While specific details of his formative years are limited, his schooling likely contributed to his linguistic proficiency and stagecraft.
Career
Around 1600 Field joined the Children of the Queen’s Revels, a troupe composed primarily of young actors under royal patronage. He remained with this company through its various transformations until 1616–17, when he transferred to the King's Men, the leading professional theatre group in London. His name is recorded among the performers listed in the First Folio (1623) of Shakespeare’s plays, indicating his participation in the production of those works.
Achievements
Field was regarded as an outstanding actor, admired for his versatility and stage presence. In addition to his acting career, he authored two comedies: *A Woman Is a Weathercock*, first performed around 1609 and printed in 1612; and *Amends for Ladies*, which had been staged by 1611 and was published in 1618. His literary collaborations included work with notable dramatists such as Francis Beaumont, John Fletcher, and Philip Massinger.
Personal Life
Field’s personal conduct was described as wild and disorderly, a reputation that ultimately led to his departure from the stage following a scandal in 1619. The circumstances surrounding his death remain uncertain, with records indicating he may have died between June and August of that year. No further information regarding his family or private affairs is documented.
Legacy
Despite a career curtailed by controversy, Field’s contributions to Elizabethan theatre persist in the historical record through his association with the King's Men and his inclusion in the First Folio. His comedic works continue to illustrate early seventeenth‑century dramaturgy and the collaborative nature of playwriting during that period. Field's life exemplifies both the opportunities and perils faced by actors in the vibrant cultural milieu of late Tudor England.