1. William Shakespeare
April 1564 – May 1616

3. Shakespeare’s London
The common people were very ignorant, they didn’t read, write, or even think
Rise of the middle class, no longer had to be born into wealth
People were very superstitious
Most people lived in very unsanitary conditions such as cramped apartments – homelessness was rampant
Little sanitation, chamber pots emptied into the streets

4. Shakespeare’s London
In 1600 the population of London was about 200,000 (Included a Jewish community and a few thousand People of Color)
Thames River ran through London, often flooded during the spring and freeze in winter
Royal Exchange – wigs, jewelry, perfume, hats, shoes, clothing, drugs, wine, spices, ink, paper, candles, and toys…

5. Shakespeare’s London Entertainment:
Bearbaiting
Executions
Cockfights
Gambling Houses & Brothels
Inns & Taverns (Cheap Ale)
Theatres
Elevated Crime Rate especially in Southwark

6. Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre
London was one of most prosperous cities in the world
Under Queen Elizabeth’s directive, the first theatre was build outside of the city
By 1576 there were five additional theatres
Globe Theatre, build in 1599
Closed in 1642 by Cromwell
William Shakespeare’s acting company:
Lord Chamberlain’s Men

7. Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre
Changes throughout Europe
Theatre allowed an acceptable way to comment on major societal changes
Resurgence of art, music, and drama

8. Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre
Structure – Built by Lord Burbage
Three story polygon
Stage Elevated 5ft, stretched half-way into yard
Open air theatre - no curtains
Actors had to shout to be heard
Only visual effects were elaborate costumes, gowns, suits, hats, and wigs
Included stage with trap doors
Heavens – false ceiling over the stage
Tiring house or dressing room backstage

9. Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre

10. Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre

11. Shakespeare’s Productions
Held during daytime – weather dependent
No curtains or scenery
Exaggerated enunciations & gestures
No rehearsals, actors fed lines on stage
All male casts

12. Shakespeare’s Productions
Historical
Tragedy
Comedy

13. Shakespeare’s Works
38 Plays
154 Sonnets
2 Narrative Poems