Final answer:
The play in question, by Thomas Nashe and Ben Jonson, was banned and destroyed in 1597 with no surviving copies, reflecting the precarious nature of English theatre which faced puritanical suppression in the 17th century.
Step-by-step explanation:
The student is asking about a 1597 play by Thomas Nashe and Ben Jonson which was banned and destroyed immediately after its performance, with no surviving copies. This period reflects a volatile time in English history, particularly for the English theatre, as the onset of the First Civil War and the rise of Puritan influence under Oliver Cromwell led to the closure of theatres in 1642 by the Long parliament. The banning of theatre by the Puritans was part of a wider endeavor to root out perceived corruption, including the belief that theatre encouraged deceit and drained money from working people.
Theatre during the reign of Elizabeth I was a burgeoning industry, with all male troupes, such as Christopher Marlowe's and The Queen's Men, performing in newly built public theatres, such as The Theatre in Shoreditch. However, dramatic productions were not without their risks, as theatres, constructed mostly of wood and straw, were prone to fires due to the open flame lighting used.