Shakespeare’s Life Born  April 23, 1564 –Stratford-on-Avon, England Died  April 23, 1616

Shakespeare’s Life William was one of eight children Father, John Shakespeare, was a merchant

Shakespeare’s Life 1582  Married Anne Hathaway –1583  Susanna is born –1585  Judith & Hamnet are born 1592  Presumably left London to be an actor and playwright

Shakespeare’s Career 1594  member of Lord Chamberlain’s Men (theatre company) 1612  Retired to Stratford-on- Avon Wrote 37 plays in his career

London Theatre 1599  Shakespeare’s Theatre Company built the “Globe Theatre” in London Became known as the “Wooden O” Majority of his plays were performed here

“Wooden O” Large, three-story building Large platform stage Stage had a small balcony on the “upper- stage” Several trap doors and entrances throughout the stage

Performances Plays would be performed during the afternoon Very few sets (scenery, furniture, etc.) Setting was created by the actors Very elaborate costumes

Performances All actors were MALE Juliet, in Romeo and Juliet, would have been performed by a well-trained boy actor Costumes, sound effects and visual effects created the mood for plays

Julius Caesar Most likely written around 1599 Shakespeare pulled information from The Lives of Noble Grecians written in the 1 st century Written about the assassination of the Roman general and dictator who lived 2000 years ago

Rome in Caesar’s Day Roman world was continuously at war Roman generals (Caesar) had tremendous power Caesar conquered much of the Mediterranean world

Rome in Caesar’s Day Not uncommon for generals to turn on one another to gain more power Caesar and Pompey clashed in a civil war in 49 B.C.

Caesar & Pompey: Jealousy & Murder Caesar and Pompey were friends Pompey married Caesar’s daughter Caesar, Pompey & Crassus formed the First Triumvirate (three-man government)

Caesar & Pompey: Jealousy & Murder Eager for power, Caesar left for the Gallic Wars He conquered parts of France, Belgium, Holland, Germany & Switzerland Caesar sent large sums of money to Rome to gain the people’s favor

Caesar & Pompey: Jealousy & Murder 49 B.C.  Pompey convinced the Senate to order Caesar to give up his command Caesar refused; marched into Rome and took control Pompey was chased to Egypt

Caesar & Pompey: Jealousy & Murder Pompey was murdered in Egypt Caesar stayed in Egypt, established Cleopatra on the Egyptian throne Left for Spain and defeated armies led by Pompey’s sons

The Unconquerable God Upon returning to Rome, Caesar was invincible Declared dictator for ten years –Supporters become Senators (including Brutus) Statue was built with the inscription – “the Unconquerable God”

The Unconquerable God Caesar was the first “king” in 450 years Many thought his ambition was deplorable Certain senators planned to assassinate him on March 15, 44 B.C. Shakespeare’s play opens on February 15, 44 B.C.