THE THEATRE IN SHAKESPEARE’S TIMEENG1D1

ORIGINS

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.

PROBLEMS

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

HOW WAS THE THEATER DIFFERENT FROM TODAY?

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!

COSTS

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?

AUDIENCE

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!

SHOWTIME!

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

THE GLOBE THEATER

THEATER CLOSURES

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.

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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.

OTHER ENTERTAINMENT

Cockfights A fight between two roosters – it would sometimes end in

death. Incredibly popular

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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