The Theatre in Shakespeare’s time

1. The Theatre in Shakespeare’s time ENG1D1

2. The first proper theater opened in 1567 – “The Red Lion” • Most plays were performed in a courtyard before this • Majority of theaters could fit a few hundred people • The Globe Theater was built in 1599, and could house about 3000 spectators. origins

3. Acting was seen as a disgraceful profession • Puritan authorities felt that actors distracted people from their religious duties • The Puritans were incredibly religious, and demanded people show more discipline and self control • Having “fun” was considered wicked • Theatre companies often travelled to other cities – could be robbed on the way, or denied entry into the city Problems

4. The audience resembled a modern day sports arena. • Rowdy crowds! The audience talked, drank, and ate during performances. They would yell at the bad characters and cheer for the good ones. • Theaters had open roofs – no electricity, so they used natural light. • Female characters were always played by pre-pubescent young boys • Little scenery and few props were used. People used their imagination instead! How was the theater different from today?

5. The pricing varied, but was typically as follows: • Entry into the pit: 1 shilling (“groundlings”) – you would stand for the whole play • Food and beverage: 1-2 shillings • Sitting a level up: 1 shilling (per level) • Cushion for your chair: 1 shilling • In short: the more $$ you had, the more comfortable you would be! Is it any different today? Costs

6. The “groundlings” were lower class commoners – did not have much money. • Anyone who had money would at least have a seat. To be in the pit was considered shameful. • Wealthy people could also meet the actors backstage in some cases. • Shakespeare used a combination of low and high comedy. • High Comedy: Appealed to higher class citizens. Used satire, clever dialogue, etc. • Low Comedy: Appealed to lower class citizens. Used slapstick, physical comedy, etc. • Why? Appeal to as many people as possible! audience

7. The theatre would have been a bustling place before a performance. • Most performances would have been in the afternoon or evening – avoid the heat! • The flag on the roof signaled the type of play being performed: • Black: Tragedy • White: Comedy • Red: History Showtime!

8. The globe theater

9. In the 1590’s and early 1600’s England was hit by the bubonic plague. • All theaters were closed for a time until the plague could be contained. • About 50,000 people in London died as a result. Theater closures

10. Puritan authorities took over in 1642. • Outlawed plays and demolished the Globe Theater in 1644. • All actors were seized and whipped, and anyone caught attending a play was fined. • The Puritans eventually lost power and favour, and plays were back by 1660. Continued…

11. Cockfights • A fight between two roosters – it would sometimes end in death. • Incredibly popular Other entertainment

12. Bear Baiting • Tying a bear to a post and having dogs attack it • Would usually last for 3 “rounds” • Even Queen Elizabeth loved attending bear baiting events Continued…