Life in London around 1600 Was a labyrinth of tiny streets, with only one route across the Thames, the river which dominated the city Most of the 200,000+ population was crammed within the city walls. Sanitation issues lead to rise in disease and plague. The houses and palaces of the nobility lay to the west, near Westminster (safe from plague outbreaks). People worked long hours, with workers often living on the work premises with their masters. Theatres were outside the walls of the city, near the brothels.

ELIZABETHAN ENGLAND The Theatres in London were not on the “better” side of the River Thames They were located on the Bishop of Canterbury’s Land, across the river from downtown London. Surrounded by brothels,pubs and gaming houses Bear baiting matches were held at theaters if no play was scheduled.

ELIZABETHAN THEATRE No Women actors! All parts were played by men! Why? Because many considered the theater sinful and they didn’t want innocent women corrupted by it. In the early days, Elizabethan theatre space was located in courtyards and the larger homes of noble patrons. No hesitancy to show murder and bloodshed on stage.

THEATRE: $ A COMMERCIAL VENTURE $ No longer state or church supported (many thought plays were sinful). 6 days a week (NO Sundays) In the afternoon,(2-5)No lights Changed plays often to keep the people coming They announced what kind of play was showing with flags: Black-Tragedy,White-comedy, Red-History One play could be performed up to ten times in a season

THE GLOBE THEATRE One of the most famous Elizabethan theatres Surrounded on three sides by seating “galleries” Shakespeare’s troupe performed here.He was part owner in the theatre The acting company had about 25 actors, all male Half of the actors were share holders in the theatre.

The Globe

The Globe Theatre

Globe cont. Stage was 43 feet wide Extended 1/2 way into the yard(about 27 1/2ft) 3 stories of galleries:12ft.,11ft. And 9ft in height

The Globe “Groundlings” stood on the ground floor, more expensive seats were in the balconies. The floor was covered in nut shells (people ate during the show just like we eat in movies). The audience was very loud and vocal. Actors really had to yell to be heard. If someone did not like the play, they would yell at the actors and maybe even throw things at them. No scenery BUT they did have nice costumes and props.

Globe cont. The Globe held about 3000 people 1c. admission for standing room Higher price for gallery seating Private boxes for the nobility Sold refreshments No restroom, no intermission “Box Office”

The most expensive seats were directly behind the stage, called the gallery. Though the people sitting there could only see the actors from behind, they themselves could be seen by everyone in the audience.

The Performances The theatres often had mechanisms that allowed “angels” and “gods” to be lowered down onto the stage. Stages were also equipped with a trapdoor leading to a “Hell” beneath the stage. The trapdoor was also used as a grave in theatrical funerals. There was very little scenery available for theatres, so the writers often used to dialogue to explain to the audience where the scene was taking place. Costume was very important in Elizabethan theatre. Actors wore colourful and elaborate costumes that would tell the audience the characters status, family ties or profession.  The Elizabethan theatre also used a variety of sound effects. Music played an important role in the setting the mood of the plays. Other sounds created were thunder, running horses, falling rain, and cannon blasts.

TO BE OR NOT TO BE….. 1613 fire started when a prop cannon explode during the first night performance of Henry VIII. The Globe theatre was burned to the ground. Rebuilt on the same site. Was demolished in 1644 when theatres were closed. Rebuilt late 1990s.