1. Biography Historical context and Theatre conventions
Shakespeare
Biography
Historical context
and
Theatre conventions

2. William Shakespeare Born 1565- Died 1616 (about 400 years ago)
Lived in London, England
Wrote and produced 38 plays
Four main tragedies: Hamlet,
King Lear, Othello, Macbeth

3. Jacobean Era The period in English and Scottish
history that King James VI(1567–1625)
of Scotland reigned, he also inherited the crown of England in 1603 as James I.
Follows the Elizabethan Period.
The era is most famous for theatre, as Shakespeare and others composed plays that reinvented England's style of theatre.

4. Macbeth & King James
Macbeth is believed to have been written in under the reign of James I.
King James was a patron of Shakespeare’s acting company.
Macbeth most clearly reflects the playwright’s relationship with the King, especially the presentation of Banquo and the witches.

5. Shakespeare’s Theatre
The Globe

6. The Globe Theatre:
London, England

7. The Globe Theatre
Shakespeare’s company, the Lord Chamberlain’s men, performed here
It was a three story open-air amphitheatre in London, England
At the base of the stage, there was an area called the pit where, for a penny, people (the "groundlings") could watch the performance
There were three levels of stadium-style seats, which were more expensive than standing room

9. The Stage Included a trap door, curtained inner stage, and a balcony
Large columns on either side of the stage supported a roof. The ceiling under this roof was called the "heavens," and was painted with clouds and the sky

11. Stage Practices There was no lighting, sound or
special effects on the stage
(and very few props)
Usually actors wore contemporary
clothing regardless of the time
period of the play
Only men were allowed to act in plays- young boys played female roles

12. Elizabethan Clothing
Women’s dress Men’s dress