In a persistent and long-repeated legend, it is maintained that he had to flee his hometown in fear of Sir Thomas Lucy - a Member of Parliament and Justice of the Peace - from whom he stole a deer. Biographers believe he then worked as a tutor and secretary and performed in court plays. It allowed him to broaden his horizons, meet new people, and win over wealthy patrons. In addition, it probably introduced him to the secrets of theatrical art. At that time, Stratford City councilors financed amateur theatrical performances on Pentecost. It was probably then that Shakespeare had his first opportunity to perform on stage, and witnessed performances by itinerant theater troupes that visited Stratford. Between December 1586 and December 1587, at least five theater troupes performed in Stratford.
