1. Shakespeare
An introduction to Drama, Shakespeare, and the Globe Theatre
Created by Mrs. Gregory
Edited by Ms. Barbour

2. Drama A. Theories about the origins of drama
1. Grew out of natural love of storytelling and re-enactment of victorious hunts or battles.
2. Arose out of hymns of praise sung at tombs of dead heroes
3. Originated with ancient religious ceremonies, performed to win favor from the gods.

3. B. Drama – Similarities to other genres
1. Plot structure like the short story
2. Characters/settings limited like the short story
3. Multi themed like the novel

4. C. Drama – Unique Characteristics
Written to be acted or read aloud (gestures)
Divided into acts and scenes for the purpose of break in action, change in time or place
Contains number of minor climaxes to hold audience’s attention.

5. The Elizabethan Age A. Dates: 1558-1603 B. Characteristics:
Religious argument between Catholics and Protestants
Elizabeth’s 45 year reign provided peace and security so the arts could flourish (art, drama, literature)
Elizabeth was considered a weak-minded monarch- because she loved the arts.
Exploration and expansion- Drake sailed around the world, defeat of the Spanish Armada in 1588

6. Shakespeare
Birth: April 23, 1564 in Stratford on Avon in England (94 mi. from London)
Grammar school- probably attended a free public grammar school until 15 where he studied Latin, Greek, logic, rhetoric, and great works of the past (Ovid, Plutarch)
Marriage- Anne Hathaway(26) at age 18; first child five months later!

7. Shakespeare continued
Children- 3 children (one set of twins) no direct descendants
Place of residence: London; owned property in Stratford on Avon.
Became successful actor by 1592
Between ; Theatres closed due to the plague so he began to write poetry, well known for poetry and drama.

8. Shakespeare continued
Acting company: Lord Chamberlain’s Men
Stage on which they performed: The Globe Theatre
Shakespeare owned 10% of The Globe
Number of plays written- 36
Types of plays: Tragedy, Comedy, History, Fantasy/Romance

9. Shakespeare continued
Works went unpublished until 7 years after his death in the First Folio.
Who put the plays together? John Heminges and Henry Condell
Death: Retired to S. on Avon and died there on his birthday, April 23 in 1616.
Buried: Chancel in Church of Holy Trinity

17. The Globe Theatre in London, England

18. The Globe Theatre Opened in 1599; church protested
Located outside of London
Structure: See handout
People who attended
1. women
2. Queen Elizabeth I (often)
3. Groundlings- poor, uncultured people who sat on the ground; brought own food, threw at actors for a bad performance (cost: 1 penny to attend)

19. The Globe Theatre continued
About the plays
1. Different play every day
2. Lasted about two and a half hours (daytime)
3. No acts, but frequent intermissions
4. No scenery, but elaborate props and costumes
5. Many devices, scaffolds, pulleys, etc.
6. No programs

20. Acting
1. Doubled or tripled parts; played by all men (yes, that means men played women’s parts)
2. To be an actor, one had to be an expert in:
Fencing
Tumbling
Dancing
Elocution- words more important than actions
Music- playing an instrument

21. Globe Diagram Outer stage Trap door The Pit Inner stage
Tiring house façade
Hut
Turret
Upper stage/music room
“Lord’s Room”
Trap door
The “heavens”
“Hell”
Gallery seats
Colored flag

22. Flag
Turret
Lords’ Room
Heavens
Hell
Outer
Inner stage

24. Then

25. Then again

26. Paintings
Exterior
Interior

27. Now

28. Now again

29. Stage

30. Heavens (above the stage)

31. Building Plan