The Man That Would Be Shakespeare Born April 23 rd, 1564 Started out performing with “The Lord Chamberlain’s Men”, but he wanted to write Gave him a chance to write a play Became recognized a genius in his own time Wrote 38 play, 154 sonnets, two long narrative poems, and several other poems. His plays have been translated into every major language and are performed more often than those of any other playwright.

Many playwrights with nowhere to “play” Barn turned into theatre Puritans burn it down (Evil theater!) Globe Theater was constructed (but later burned down and reconstructed in 1990’s) /caah/Shakespr/VRGLOB E/images/globe.mpghttp://virtual.clemson.edu /caah/Shakespr/VRGLOB E/images/globe.mpg

Where did people sit? oAristocrats … o The Groundlings… spr/VRGLOBE/images/globe.mpg

About the plays... Only men were permitted to perform Young boys were used to play the women. Why? No real props. No scenery. Plays performed during the day because daylight was only source of light. Costumes were sometimes elaborate and mostly consisted of unwanted clothing donated by wealthy

Set in Scotland Written for King James I Shakespeare’s play is based on a real Macbeth, but his story is different

Scotland in the time of Macbeth: In eleventh century the country was in a state of constant change –Exciting and treacherous –Warring families and clans battled to control land and trade Each side was led by a thane who’s castle became an important power base.

The government: Consisted of a king and his immediate council –Warlords and church leaders Murder was committed frequently, often for political reasons. Revenge killings were common. Succession: Often a king’s son would be the heir to the throne. –If for some reason the country saw him “unfit” (to young, unhealthy, or corrupt) the king or the council could appoint a new leader