The Globe Theatre
Need a new location… Many Londoners were strict Protestants – in 1596 London's authorities banned the public presentation of plays within the city limits. The Globe theatre was built by a carpenter named Peter Smith together with his workforce. They started building in 1597 and it was finished in 1598!
Location The “other” side of the River Thames.
THEATRE: A COMMERCIAL VENTURE No longer state or church supported 6 days a week (No Sundays) In the afternoon,(2-5) They announced what kind of play was showing with flags: Black-Tragedy,White-comedy, Red-History
Entertainment! Authors wrote plays for the masses, especially those who couldn’t read or write. At the start of the play after collecting money from the audience the admission collectors put the boxes in a room backstage = the box office!
New Form of Entertainment! A trumpet was sounded to announce that the play was about to begin in order for people to take their final places. Special effects were also a spectacular addition at the theater allowing for smoke effects, the firing of a real canon, fireworks (for dramatic battle scenes), trap door to have people fall in ‘hell’ and spectacular 'flying' entrances from the rigging in the 'heavens'.
Only men could perform Boys acted as women Costumes were often the most valuable asset Costumes were made by the company, bought in London, or donated by courtiers
The Cost of a Show 1 shilling to stand 2 shillings to sit in the balcony 1 shilling was ~10% of weekly income
Facts about the Globe Theatre Original Globe was 3 stories and held about 3000 people. Although most of Shakespeare’s plays were held there, he only owned 12% of the theatre.
Problems at the Theatre Fights Spread of disease (the plague!) Prostitution Theft
Entrance View The stage juts out onto the floor, so some people would view from the side.
Floor View Lower class had to stand… “Groundlings” Plays often lasted 4-6 hours and the Groundlings would stand the whole time!
Second Floor View The middle to upper class people could afford to sit on the second level. The second level wrapped around both sides of the stage.
Third Floor View Only the upper class could afford seats on the third level. For extra money they could get a padded seat.
Fire at the Globe Theatre broke out in June 29, 1613 from a cannon blast during the play “Henry VIII” The second Globe Theatre was built shortly after in 1614
The End is Near In 1642 the Puritan Parliament issued an ordinance suppressing all stage plays. The Puritans demolished the Globe Theatre in The site of the old Globe theatre was rediscovered in the 20th century and a reconstruction of a New Globe Theatre has been built near the spot (1996).
Set in Scotland Written for King James I (formerly of Scotland, now England) (witchcraft for James) Written 1606 Shakespeare researched The Chronicles - Banquo is an ancestor of King James
King Duncan of Scotland Honest and good King Very respected Malcolm & Donalbain Sons of the King Malcolm is the eldest son Macbeth Duncan’s most courageous general Ambition to become king corrupts him
Banquo General and Macbeth’s best friend Suspects Macbeth in wrongdoings An actual ancestor of King James I Lady Macbeth As ambitious as her husband A dark force behind his evil deeds Macduff Scottish general, suspects Macbeth of wrongdoings Macbeth causes his family to suffer Swears vengeance
“The Scottish Play” It is believed to be bad luck to even whisper the word ‘Macbeth’ in a theatre Legend has it the devil (witchcraft) will enter the theater, fires, falls, etc..
*Characteristics of a Tragic Hero: 1. Basically a good man 2. Has a tragic flaw 3. Acts in a way that brings about his own ruin 4. When all is lost, wisdom is gained 5. We are moved to pity and awe
Definitions: make sure you know the difference! 1. soliloquy: a speech that a character makes while alone on stage, to reveal his or her thoughts to the audience. 2. aside: a remark that a character makes in an undertone to the audience (everyone else is on stage but does not hear the comment)