Shakespeare

Basic Shakespeare Facts Born: April 23 rd,1564 Died: April 23 rd, 1616 Married Anne Hathaway in 1582 –He was 18, she was 26 –They had 3 children together Susanna, Hamnet and Judith (twins) –Hamnet died as a child.

The Age of Shakespeare He wrote from during the Renaissance or the Elizabethan Age This time period is known for its theater and thriving literature

Queen Elizabeth and King James of Scotland were great supporters of literature and the arts. –They both supported Shakespeare during their reign This time period also brought economic and social growth to England. Shakespeare’s Patrons

During Shakespeare’s time, actors were referred to as “players.” Players were not always greatly accepted by the cities they visited because play-acting was considered sinful by some communities. In 1574, players were banished from London. The Lives of Actors

Theaters To get around this, James Burbage built the first public playhouse, or theater, in England. Shakespeare’s company performed at Burbage’s theater until building their own. Shakespeare (along with other company shareholders) built his theater in –He called it the “Globe” and referred to it as the wooden “O” The Globe was a circular building with three levels overlooking a courtyard with a platform stage

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 In 1613, a cannon caught the Globe on fire It was rebuilt in 1614 It was demolished in 1644 by the Puritans because it was immoral

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 Hell: upper & lower trap doors 3 stories high Fit 3,000 people

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

Actors Elaborate costumes, but props were minimal. Scene changes were announced by actors Characters were performed by males only (even the female roles) Had to have great memorization skills for 2 hour long plays

Customers Play seekers ranged from Queen Elizabeth I to the poorest of the land. Private plays were performed for people of the highest nobility. The audience was allowed to throw rotten food at bad actors.

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

Flag Trap Door Heaven Tiring House Upper StageGalleries Stage Inner Stage Yard Pillars Entrance Foundation