These plays often depicted biblical stories and were used as a way to educate the illiterate masses about the teachings of Christianity. The Renaissance period brought about a resurgence of interest in theater, with the works of playwrights such as William Shakespeare becoming iconic pieces of literature. The Globe Theatre in London became a hub for Shakespearean performances, with actors such as Richard Burbage and Will Kemp becoming household names. In the 18th and 19th centuries, theater continued to flourish with the rise of the modern theater movement. The introduction of gas lighting, advances in set design, and the development of the proscenium arch transformed theater into a grand spectacle that captivated audiences around the world.