About William Shakespeare:  believed to be born on April 23, 1564 – baptismal record is dated April 26 th – traditionally done three days after a child was born.  died on April 23, 1616 (important because it is the Feast Day of St. George, the patron saint of England)  His plays were written from 1590 through 1613  famous and controversial in his own day  Master of the English Renaissance who gave us the foundation for the modern English language

His plays:

The scripts of Shakespeare’s plays were in two accessible forms: folios and quartos. about the size of a coffee table book

The scripts of Shakespeare’s plays were in two accessible forms: folios and quartos. like a small paperback book

Quartos published illegally during Shakespeare's day cheaper than a full folio, but less accurate copies  hence the variations we have today

Elaborate costumes and props were used Violence on stage was common  Later in the plays, the use of animal organs filled with blood were worn under the costume in fights or murder scenes in order for blood to appear when someone was cut or stabbed. All actors were males - female parts were played by apprentice boys Sound effects and special effects were also used - some scenery was used, but not extensively due to the need for quick scene changes Most plays were done in only a two-hour period The shows themselves:

The Globe Theater: Shakespeare had this theater built exclusively for his plays in 1599 used sunlight in the afternoon to light up the stage from the southwest three stories tall to accommodate as much seating as possible. cheapest spots were in the pit with standing room only  this cost two pennies

View from the north side

View from the east side

View from the south side

View from the west side

View from directly overhead… This is why they called it the “Big O.”

Another overhead view

Three tiers of seats for the more affluent folk Three tiers of seats for the more affluent folk T H E P I T H E P I T

The heavens The stage and underworld beneath Ropes to lower people or effects from the heavens Ropes to lower people or effects from the heavens

There were trapdoors in the stage for various special effects There were trapdoors in the stage for various special effects

Balconies (second level) for musicians and scenes that call for an upper level Balconies (second level) for musicians and scenes that call for an upper level

Sunlight was used during the afternoon to light the stage. Sunlight was used during the afternoon to light the stage.

View from the front entrance

View from the pit

View from the top level seating

View of the seats on the top

View from the stage

View from the bottom level seating

This is the back tower of the rebuilt Globe Theater in London today.

The rebuilt Globe Theater in London

Inside the rebuilt Globe Theater in London

Dramatis Personae of OTHELLO THE MOOR OF VENICE Othello – the Moor, General of the Venetian military Iago – Othello’s Ancient (Ensign) in the Venetian military, the villain Cassio – Othello’s new lieutenant in the Venetian military Desdemona – wife of Othello, daughter of Brabantio, Venetian gentlewoman Roderigo – foolish Venetian gentleman Emilia – wife of Iago Brabantio – Venetian senator, father of Desdemona Duke of Venice – Othello’s patron, ruler of Venice Montano – military governor of Cyprus Gratiano – brother of Brabantio, father of Lodovico, Venetian gentleman Lodovico – son of Brabantio, cousin to Desdemona, Venetian gentleman Bianca – a prostitute of Cyprus

Venice (Act 1) Rhodes Cyprus (Acts 2-5) Setting for Othello Barbary Coast (land of the Moors) Ottoman Empire (Turkey)