1. The Tragedy of Romeo and Juliet
By William Shakespeare

2. Who Was Shakespeare? Baptized on April 26, 1569 Died on April 23, 1616
Recognized as one of the greatest writers of English literature
His work is studied in schools all over the world

3. His dad was a glovemaker – the family home is in the old town area of Stratford Upon Avon in England.
His wife was Ann Hathaway – some of you may have visited her home in Stratford upon Avon
Shakespeare lived in London for much of his creative life.
In his later life he became involved in local government in Stratford.
He did not publish any of his plays – his plays were first published in The First Folio by his friends after his death in 1616.

4. Newly discovered portrait.
This portrait is believed to have been done while Shakespeare was still alive. The other 2 known portraits of him were done after his death.

5. New portrait cont:
The painting was found in a family home where it had been for the past 400 years.

6. The plays:
There are theories that his plays were not actually written by him.
Evidence used to support this include the fact that he did not educate his daughters, his signature does not seem to be one of a literate person.

8. So who did write them?? Maybe Sir Francis Bacon
The film “Anonymous” explores this option.

9. or perhaps??
Christopher Marlowe

10. or perhaps it really was Shakespeare and there is no big conspiracy at all!

11. Shakespeare’s plays can be divided into different categories.
Comedies
Histories
Tragedies

12. Comedies Much Ado About Nothing Taming of the Shrew
Midsummer Night’s Dream
All’s Well That Ends Well
The Merchant of Venice

13. Histories The Henrys The Richards Julius Caesar Titus Andronicus
Antony and Cleopatra

14. Tragedies
Romeo and Juliet
Othello
Macbeth
Hamlet

15. In total, Shakespeare wrote 37 plays and 154 sonnets – that we know of
In total, Shakespeare wrote 37 plays and 154 sonnets – that we know of. We will be studying “Romeo and Juliet”. The original story of Romeo and Juliet was written by a poet called Arthur Brooks, but it was a long and boring narrative, that was originally adapted from oral versions from centuries previous.

16. Romeo and Juliet Probably written 1591 and 1595
Revised many times – and still being revised
It is a tragedy play, but also a love story.

17. What is meant by a Shakespearean tragedy?

18. Shakespearean Tragedy
Downfall of the noble class, the elite, usually through their own actions
The hero should die – often by his own hand, and often taking his loved ones with him

19. The Globe Theatre