Shakespearean Theater London 1599

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

2. 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

3. Burning of the Globe • The burning of the first Globe Theatre in London may have led to Shakespeare's retirement, as he wrote no more plays following its destruction • With the Globe’s closure was an Blackfriars theatre in Southwark, on the south bank of the Thames River

4. 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 • Merchants often made some money

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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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

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