Shakespearean Theater London 1599

1. Shakespearean TheaterLondon 1599 “The Play’s the Thing”

3. Basic Shakespeare Facts • Born: April 23rd,1564 • Died: April 23rd, 1616 • Married Anne Hathaway 1582 • (he was 18, she was 26) • They had 3 children Susanna, Hamnet and Judith (twins)--- Hamnet died as a child.

4. The Age of Shakespeare • He wrote from 1585-1616 during the Renaissance or the Elizabethan Age • This time period is known for its theater and thriving literature

5. Shakespeare’s Patrons • Queen Elizabeth and King James of Scotland were great supporters of literature and the arts- they both supported Shakespeare during their reign • This time period also brought economic and social growth to England

6. The Lives of Actors • “players” were not always greatly accepted by the cities they visited because play-acting was considered sinful by some communities. • In 1574 players were banished from London

7. Theaters • To get around this, James Burbage built the first public playhouse or theater in England leading to the development of other theaters • Shakespeare’s company performed at Burbage’s theater, until building their own • Shakespeare (along with other company shareholders) built his theater in 1599- he called it the “Globe”- and he referred to it as the wooden “O” • The Globe was a circular building with three levels overlooking a courtyard with a platform stage

11. The Wooden O • Day time, outdoor performances only • Flags were used to show that a play was being held--black tragedy, white comedy, red history • 1613 a cannon caught the Globe fire • It was rebuilt in 1614 • It was demolished in 1644 by the Puritans because it was immoral

12. The Wooden O • Three main parts: the building proper, the stage-Pit (5ft above the ground), and the tiring house-used for dressing • Heaven, decorated with a zodiac and Hell-upper and lower trap doors • 3 stories high • 3000 people

13. The Cost • 1 shilling to stand • 2 shillings to sit in the balcony • 6 shillings for the galleries-Private/Lords Room • 1 shilling was 10% of their weekly income

14. Actors • Elaborate costumes, but props were minimal-scene changes were announced by actors • Characters were performed by males only-even the female parts • Had to have great memorization skills for 2 hour long plays

15. Customers • Play seekers ranged from Queen Elizabeth I to Queen Mary (Bloody Mary) to the poorest of the land • Acted privately for people of the highest nobility • The audience were allowed to throw rotten food at bad actors

16. Plague • The Black or Bubonic Plague killed millions throughout Europe and Asia • Theaters were closed; however, Shakespeare presented plays for King James during this time

18. Flag Heaven Upper Stage Galleries Tiring House Inner Stage Pillars Trap Door Stage Yard Foundation Entrance