Much Ado About Nothing A Brief Overview

Key Facts about Shakespeare Born in 1564 Married Anne Hathaway 1582, had 3 children 1590, left his family behind to travel to London to be an actor and playwright Part owner of the Globe Theater Part of The Kings’ Men: company of actors who performed for the king Died in 1616 on his birthday

Shakespearean Theater Conventions Originally, plays were performed in taverns and inn yards that eventually developed into outdoor stages and finally into theaters Plays were performed in the early afternoon. A flag would be raised atop the theater to let the public know there would be a performance that day.

Shakespearean Theater Conventions “Groundlings”- those closest to the stage- paid a penny. They could also purchase food to throw at the actors during the performance. If one wanted to sit, it would cost 2 pennies. If one wanted a cushion for that seat, it would cost 3 pennies.

Shakespearean Theater Conventions Money that was collected was kept in box that was then kept in a guarded office….hence Box Office Shakespeare was part owner of The Globe, and several of his plays were performed there.

Shakespearean Theater Conventions Unfortunately, in 1613, it caught fire when a cannon malfunctioned during a play. Burned to the ground as a result. It was rebuilt the next year. The Puritans closed the Globe in 1642 and razed it in 1644. Currently, there is a replica theater in London.

The Facts Location: Messina, Sicily – 16th century Population: Very small Governor: Leonato Mood: Light and silly Written in 1598 and published in 1600

Themes Appearance vs. Reality Social Conventions: Deception Don’t make hasty judgments Social Conventions: These are often at odds with authentic communication Deception Good vs. bad intentions for deception Importance of Honor “Noting” Listening, observing, writing or noting

Elizabethan Comedy Lighthearted tone Mistaken identities Multiple Plot Lines Frequent use of puns A clever “fool” or servant A conflict between propriety and debauchery Young lovers who overcome obstacles to their relationship A happy ending that includes marriages, and, often, reconciliations and reunions Elizabethan Comedy

Don Pedro, prince of Aragon, leads the soldiers of Messina back from a victorious battle and is welcomed by Leonato, governor of Messina. Don Pedro has recently rekindled his relationship with his illegitimate brother, Don John

Benedick, a soldier, reunites with his verbal sparring partner, Gov Benedick, a soldier, reunites with his verbal sparring partner, Gov. Leonato’s niece, Beatrice. Benedick and Beatrice pummel each other with insults. Beatrice thinks men are idiots and Benedick swears to remain a bachelor all his life.

Another soldier, young Claudio, is in love with Gov Another soldier, young Claudio, is in love with Gov. Leonatos daughter, Hero. Don Pedro offers to pretend to be Claudio and sweet talk Hero for him at a costume party. Don John gets word of this and then tells Claudio that Don Pedro plans to woo Hero for himself. It works out though, and Hero and Claudio plan to get married in a week.

Prince Pedro decides to try to make Benedick and Beatrice fall in love Prince Pedro decides to try to make Benedick and Beatrice fall in love. After spreading rumors that the two overhear, he succeeds.

Don John decides to ruin Claudio and Hero’s wedding just for kicks Don John decides to ruin Claudio and Hero’s wedding just for kicks. His buddy, Borachio, is “seeing” Hero’s servant, Margaret, who happens to look a lot like Hero. Don Pedro & Claudio see Borachio with Margaret and Don John makes them believe it was Hero.

At the wedding Claudio accuses Hero of cheating on him and storms off At the wedding Claudio accuses Hero of cheating on him and storms off. Hero’s family decides to pretend that she died suddenly in hopes that they might buy time to figure out what happened.

However will Shakespeare sort it all out?