Premium Essay

Globe Theatre: The Globe Theater

Submitted By
Words 252
Pages 2
Early plays were performed in wagons, but they soon moved to unroofed courtyards. In 1576 the first playhouse was built by actor Jim Burbage, and it thrived until 1644 when it was closed down by the puritans. When it reopened the layout was remodeled to a rectangular shape instead of the round shape, which resulted in less audience involvement. The Globe Theater was bought by Shakespeare and a friend, but because plays were forbidden in London it was moved across the Thames River in 1599. Costumes, acting and special effects made the Globe Theater the most popular English playhouse. Animal bladders filled with chickens blood, evil beings rising from the stage below, heavenly beings entering from the sky above, lanterns and rolling cannons were

Similar Documents

Free Essay

Globe Theatre

...Globe Theatre In Elizabethan England, plays were extremely important to culture. Many theaters were built to present plays. No theater around was more important than the Globe Theatre. The Globe Theatre was an important part of society. The history of the Globe Theatre is very rich. It was originally built in 1598 by Cuthbert Burbage, who was very involved in the acting scene in his time. In 1613 it was accidentally burned down by a canon in a show there. The next year it was reconstructed only to be destroyed by puritans, who believed plays were evil, 30 years later in 1647. In 1997 a working replica was opened. The Globe Theatre’s structure was unlike any other of its day. Its wood was taken from another theater because Cuthbert Burbage owned that but not the land. “He therefore had the theatre, a timber building, taken down and reassembled at a new site (Boyce 218). It was roughly cylindrical and three stories high. Each floor had seats that looked into open galleries. It held 2,000-3,000 people at a time. Shakespeare was a paramount figure not only in playwriting, but in the Globe Theatre as well. It was built specifically for the great acting troupe, Chamberlain’s Men, which Shakespeare was a part of. Some of Shakespeare’s most magnificent works of art were performed originally at the Globe Theatre. Shakespeare himself was also a part owner of the Globe Theatre. The Globe Theatre was a place where many different types of social classes went...

Words: 396 - Pages: 2

Free Essay

Globe Theatre

...Shakespeare has written some of the most memorable plays in history. It was probably the most important structure in Shakespeare’s career. Throughout its history the Globe Theatre has hosted the very best of Shakespeare’s productions or works of art such as Hamlet, and the Twelfth Night were written to be performed on the stage of the Globe Theatre. The Globe Theatre was a theatre located in London, England. The Globe Theatre is commonly associated with William Shakespeare. The theatre was built in 1599 by the Lord Chamberlain’s Men, which happened to be William Shakespeare’s playing company (Linda Alchin). The land that the theatre was built on was owned by Thomas Brend and was later inherited by his son Nicholas Brend and then later on his grandson Sir Matthew Brend. On the 29th of June 1613 the theatre was destroyed by a fire during a performance of Henry the Eighth (Linda Alchin). The Globe Theatre was rebuilt in June of 1614 and was closed in 1642. There is a modern reconstruction of the Globe Theatre in London called Shakespeare’s Globe and it opened in 1997 (J.M Presley). The Lord Chamberlain’s Men were actors who were shareholders in the Globe Theatre. The Globe Theatre was divided into shares of ten percent each with two brothers, Richard and Cuthbert Burbage having a double share or twenty-five percent each (Linda Alchin). Originally there was supposed to be a seventh shareholder, William Kempe but he sold his share to the four minority shareholders...

Words: 1037 - Pages: 5

Free Essay

Shakespeare

...theme of divine right. These plays also help to view the class system of the time period. Ex. King John IV. Romance They contain a redemptive plotline with a happy ending involving the re-uniting of separated family members and a mixture of civilized and pastoral scenes. Ex. The Winter’s Tale A TYPICAL ELIZABETHAN PLAYGOER: A. What time did the performance of plays begin at the Globe? The times of plays at the Globe Theatre generally started at 3:00 pm. B. What did the flying flag mean? Red, White or Black Flags flying form the flag mast at the top of the Globe Theatre indicated whether the play to be performed was a history, comedy or a tragedy. C. Why weather could affect the performance of a play? Weather could affect the performance of a play, it only have thatched roof and if there was a bad weather, it will spoil the performance D. The shape of the Globe Globe Theater had been an octagonal shaped building. E. Who were the groundlings? They were who frequented the Globe Theatre in the early 17th century and was too poor to pay to be able to...

Words: 584 - Pages: 3

Premium Essay

Globe Theatre History

...All around the world stand many majestic theatres and playhouses; however, none come close to the unique and historical Globe Theatre. The Globe Theatre contains many years of rich history; from the time of William Shakespeare, to the present day. Over 400 years ago, the original theatre was built! Its unique, round structure resembles the Roman Coliseum; allowing spectators to half circle the stage and still obtain a clear view. Although the original building was destroyed in a fire, a newer version of the Globe Theatre still serves the same purpose. People touring the area of London, England may regularly catch a Shakespeare play, taking place in the historic playhouse. The Globe Theatre’s history, distinctive structure, and the traditional Shakespearian plays regularly performed there make it like no other and naturally attract people from all around the world....

Words: 673 - Pages: 3

Free Essay

Stage Layout/Design Ab

...is set in, and the audience can easily picture where everything is happening. This is what is referred to as ‘realism’. Earlier times were different, in that the playwrights would often write set imagery into the script, encouraging the audience to image it for themselves. Aside from an occasional piece of furniture, the stage was often bare and could be the location for anywhere in the world. This relates to my topic of set design because it shows the differences between the realism used today versus the imagery used during Shakespearean plays. This source is reputable because it isn’t giving an opinion on anything, it is simply stating the facts of how Shakespeare would have most likely set the stage for his plays. "Shakespeare's Theater." Folger Shakespeare Library. 2014. Web. 29 Mar. 2016. This web article discusses how the stage and arena was designed to give the audience the full experience at shows. The majority of playhouses that showed performances were multi-sided structures with an open yard for people to stand or sit on. Also in the facility were ~3 tiers of covered seating, and a raised up stage on one end. The article also discussed the transition from outdoor playhouses to indoor playhouses, making it easier to have showings in the rain/bad weather. This source relates to my topic because it discusses the structures of the facilities predominantly used to show Shakespearean performances. This source is most likely reputable because it is not giving opinions/trying...

Words: 520 - Pages: 3

Free Essay

History of Elizabethan Theatre

...Performing Arts Theatre in London Amphitheatre –Romans at Guildhall Liturgical dramas (from the service of worship). Took place in church during the Easter celebration. Sung and in Latin – vast cycles performed all over Europe in medieval times. Performed by Monks and nuns inside church. The spice seller was the first comic character as well as the first non-religious character. Liturgical dramas developed into Mystery/ Miracle plays and were performed outside. This is when we get the first actors. Mystery Plays In England different Craft Guilds were employed to perform different plays e.g. Carpenters acted out the story of Noah’s Ark and the Fishmongers the story of Jonah and the Whale. They were performed on wagons or temporary stages. The audience would move to different wagons to watch different plays. They might see six or eight short plays in a day. The performers were all amateur and all male. The Mystery Plays that we know today are the York Cycle of Mystery Plays and the Chester Cycle. Most of the others have been lost over the centuries. The Tudor monarchy was very flamboyant. Henry VII had his own company of players. This dynasty loved tournaments, and royal processions etc. There was an increase of professional actors in 16thc. They were attached to noble and royal families who protected them from religious and political turbulence. This religious upheaval eventually silenced the performance...

Words: 620 - Pages: 3

Premium Essay

Role of Dramatic Text in Performance

...With Reference to Two or More Examples Discuss the Role of Dramatic Text in Performance The role of dramatic text in performance is not a question that has a simple, straightforward answer. A dramatic text is a text that has been written for it to be delivered by some form of media, for example theatre, film or television. A performance text on the other hand is a version of the dramatic text, which is what ultimately gets performed. Therefore, to put it simply, a performance text is a version of a dramatic text that has been annotated and altered for the actual performance. This complicates the role of dramatic text, as there can be various different performance texts just for one dramatic text. Therefore you have to question, after a certain period of time, if the performances turn further and further away from what the dramatic text is trying to convey? Considering William Shakespeare’s Hamlet, which is such an ‘iconic text of world theatre’ (Lavender, 5), you can compare the role of the dramatic text when it was first published and performed in around 1603 with performances leading up to the present day. This is something which doesn't only differ depending on what time period it is being performed or how renowned the text is but it differs from performance to performance mainly because of the various different concepts the directors have with this singular play. However, factors such as the set or audience can also have a considerable effect. Nevertheless...

Words: 2656 - Pages: 11

Premium Essay

Changing Cultures of Different Dances

...manipulated by the fairies who inhabit the forest in which most of the play is set. The play is one of Shakespeare's most popular works for the stage and is widely performed across the world. It is unknown exactly when A Midsummer Night's Dream was written or first performed, but on the basis of topical references and an allusion to Edmund Spenser's 'Epithalamion', it is usually dated 1594 or 1596. Some have theorised that the play might have been written for an aristocratic wedding (for example that of Elizabeth Carey, Lady Berkeley), while others suggest that it was written for the Queen to celebrate the feast day of St. John. No concrete evidence exists to support this theory. In any case, it would have been performed at The Theatre and, later, The Globe. Though it is not a translation or adaptation of an earlier work, various sources such as Ovid's Metamorphoses and Chaucer's "The Knight's Tale" served as inspiration.[4] According to John Twyning, the play's plot of four lovers undergoing a trial in the woods was intended as a "riff" on Der Busant, a Middle High German poem. The play was entered into the Register of the Stationers Company on 8 October 1600 by the bookseller Thomas Fisher, who published the first quarto edition later that year. A second quarto was printed in 1619 by William Jaggard, as part of his so-called False Folio.[6] The play next appeared in print in the First Folio of 1623. The title page of Q1 states that the play was "sundry times publickely acted"...

Words: 1462 - Pages: 6

Premium Essay

William Shakspere: The Tragedy Of William Shakespeare

...By 1564, six of his plays had already been produced. In the late 1590’s, many of William Shakspere’s works were written. Although a lot of Shakesprear's sonnets are popular, his reputation primarily comes from his plays. William Shakspere became fully involved in writing plays as soon as the theatres reopened. They often performed in The Globe. The play that was first performed in The Globe was the tragedy called, “The Tragedy of Julius Caesar”. After he produced that great tragedy, many more were written. Some of his most famous tragedies are: “Crossroads ”, “Othello”, “King Lear”, “Romeo and Juliet”, “Macbeth ”, and “Anthony and Cleopatra”. Some of Shakespeare’s most famous comedies are: “The Taming of the Shrew”, “The Comedy of Errors”, “As you Like it”, “Much Fuss About Nothing”, and “The Two Gentlemen of Verona ”. ("William Shakespeare." - Biography and Works.), ("Shakespeare's Life." Folger Shakespeare Library.) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ....

Words: 1875 - Pages: 8

Free Essay

Shakespear

...married Ann Hathaway, who was 7-8 years older: she was the oldest daughter of a wealthy agriculturalist. Their first child was born the year after, only six months after their wedding; later they also had twins. There are several explanations of why Shakespeare traveled to London, but most explanations are anecdotes from a later time. Some scholars think that he became a member of a theatre company, which was visiting Stratford. The first time we hear about him again is in 1592 and at this point he is a known public figure in London. He is mostly known as an actor and a playwright but he was also the owner of the Globe Theater. Shakespeare wrote 37 plays: comedies, tragedies and historical dramas. His plays have something for every taste; there is exciting action, strong emotions, color and comedy. Shakespeare’s themes are love, nature, power and its responsibility. The central theme is man, and especially after year 1600 one feels the bitterness against mankind. About 1611 he returns to Stratford, maybe same year as he wrote the Storm, which can be read as his farewell to the theater. He lived his last years in his birth town and died in 1616. He is buried in the Holy Trinity Church, and above the grave, at the left side of the church, there is a monument in his...

Words: 310 - Pages: 2

Premium Essay

William Shakespeare

...dramatist the world has ever known and the finest poet who has written in the English language. Shakespeare has also been the world’s most popular author. No writer’s play have been produced so many times or read widely in so many countries. Scholars have written thousands of books and articles about his plots, characters, themes, and language. As a matter of fact, almost four hundred years after Shakespeare’s death there are 157 million referring him on Google. He began a successful life in London. Shakespeare’s profession was acting. He is listed in documents of 1592, 1598 and 1603 as an actor. Some of us know that he acted in a Ben Johnson play and also in his own plays, but its thought that he is a very busy man, writing, managing the theatre, and commuting between London and Stratford, where his family was, he didn’t undertake big roles. There are evidences that he played the ghost in Hamlet and Adam in As You Like It. Being the most famous writer in the world, Shakespeare left us neither journals nor letters- he left us only poems and his plays. What we know about Shakespeare’s life comes mostly from church and legal documents- a baptismal registration, a marriage license and records from real-estate transactions. However, these only provide brief sketches of specific events in his life. Shakespeare produced most of his known work between 1589 and 1613. His early plays were comedies and...

Words: 2780 - Pages: 12

Premium Essay

Travelling Players in Hamlet: New Historical Issues

...Travelling Players in Hamlet: New Historicist Issues Travelling Players in Hamlet: New Historicist Issues In Hamlet, Shakespeare makes use of a play within a play, as the device through which Prince Hamlet hopes to prove King Claudius’s guilt in the murder of the old King Hamlet. This idea suggests itself to Hamlet in Act 2, Scene 2, when Rosencrantz tells him that a group of actors will soon be arriving at Elsinore, at which point their conversation digresses briefly to the circumstances surrounding these itinerant players. In the space of the next 45 lines, Shakespeare informs his audience of several important issues affecting the real actors of his time. This is of particular interest from the viewpoint of New Historicism, which treats literature as a part of history, and as an expression or representation of forces on history (Holman and Harmon, 318). New Historicism emerged as a theoretical movement in the late 1970s and early 1980s with one of the earliest proponents being Louis A. Montrose. In his essay “Professing the Renaissance: The Poetics and Politics of Culture,” Montrose says that the focus of New Historicism “…has been upon a refiguring of the socio-cultural field within which canonical Renaissance literary and dramatic works were originally produced; upon resituating them not only in relationship to other genres and modes of discourse but also in relationship to contemporaneous social institutions and non-discursive practices”...

Words: 1560 - Pages: 7

Premium Essay

William Shakespeare

...Cox 1 Justyn D. Cox Ms. Franklin English II 12 May 2014 William Shakespeare was one of the best writers of his time, and has written stories that are still being read and talked about today. He was thought of to be an inspiration to many upcoming writers and has helped to shape literature into what is today. Shakespeare’s writing s give vivid and interesting details about the topic he is writing about. His writings also tend to make others enjoy reading more often. Even though Shakespeare has no birth records there are church records which indicate that a William Shakespeare was baptized at Holy Trinity Church in Stratford-upon-Avon on April 26, 1564. From that information they believed that he was born either on or near April 23, 1564. Shakespeare married Anne Hathaway on November 28, 1582. William was 18 and she was 26 and also pregnant. Shakespeare’s first child was a daughter born on May 26, 1583, they named her Susanna. Shakespeare was the third child of John Shakespeare who was a leather merchant and his mother Mary who was a local landed heiress. Shakespeare had two sisters Joan and Judith, and his three younger brothers Gilbert, Richard and Edmund. From roughly 1594 Shakespeare was an important member of the Lord Chamberlain’s Men Company of theatrical players. It was said that “Shakespeare wrote plays that capture the complete range of human emotion and conflict. Shakespeare was also often called the English national poet...

Words: 616 - Pages: 3

Premium Essay

Elizabethan Era Research Paper

...entertainers. Some entertainers used drama and theatre as a way of art and expression, but also to make others just as happy. The importance of the era, drama, theatre, and politics have greatly affected today’s outlook on the arts of entertainment. Elizabethan drama and theatre has influenced the history of not only literature, but also how they are both used today. The Elizabethan era was predominately one of the most historical eras to this day. Historians believe it is one of the most historical eras because...

Words: 1152 - Pages: 5

Premium Essay

Sweeney Todd

...his shop with an awkward charm and slashes their throats with a straight razor. His victim's bodies are then dumped into the basement of the shop, where they are minced and cooked into meat pies that are sold in Mrs. Lovett's store. Mrs. Lovett is Sweeney Todd's accomplice in his scheme for revenge. She is infatuated with him and cannot help but to assist him with these crimes. This twisted plot, the setting, and the musical score make for a darker production that is not seen very often from Broadway acts. “For Sweeney Todd is surely the angriest major musical ever written, a sensibility that here becomes a galvanizing asset” (Ben Brantley 2005). A now dated production, Sweeney Todd premiered on March 1, 1979. This took place at Uris Theatre in New York City. The production was eventually closed but not before it had over 500 runs. The show was reopened near its ten year anniversary in 1989. This time, the show ran for almost 200 runs before it was shut down again. In 2005, it was decided that Sweeney Todd was to be opened for viewing again. This time, it was showed over 300 times. It was eventually decided to close Sweeney Todd yet again. There have been multiple revival productions of Sweeney Todd run by different production companies in many different countries. The production may not run near as long as some big name musicals, but it sure seems persistent in its efforts to be revived again and again. The tale of Sweeney Todd, however, did not start as a musical. It started...

Words: 1119 - Pages: 5