1. THE THEATRE IN SHAKESPEARE’S TIME ENG1D1

2. ORIGINS  The first proper theater opened in 1567 – “The Red Lion”  Most plays were performed in a courtyard before this  Majority of theaters could fit a few hundred people  The Globe Theater was built in 1599, and could house about 3000 spectators.

3. PROBLEMS  Acting was seen as a disgraceful profession  Puritan authorities felt that actors distracted people from their religious duties  The Puritans were incredibly religious, and demanded people show more discipline and self control  Having “fun” was considered wicked  Theatre companies often travelled to other cities – could be robbed on the way, or denied entry into the city

4. HOW WAS THE THEATER DIFFERENT FROM TODAY?  The audience resembled a modern day sports arena.  Rowdy crowds! The audience talked, drank, and ate during performances. They would yell at the bad characters and cheer for the good ones.  Theaters had open roofs – no electricity, so they used natural light.  Female characters were always played by pre-pubescent young boys  Little scenery and few props were used. People used their imagination instead!

5. COSTS  The pricing varied, but was typically as follows:  Entry into the pit: 1 shilling (“groundlings”) – you would stand for the whole play  Food and beverage: 1-2 shillings  Sitting a level up: 1 shilling (per level)  Cushion for your chair: 1 shilling  In short: the more $$ you had, the more comfortable you would be! Is it any different today?

6. AUDIENCE  The “groundlings” were lower class commoners – did not have much money.  Anyone who had money would at least have a seat. To be in the pit was considered shameful.  Wealthy people could also meet the actors backstage in some cases.  Shakespeare used a combination of low and high comedy.  High Comedy: Appealed to higher class citizens. Used satire, clever dialogue, etc.  Low Comedy: Appealed to lower class citizens. Used slapstick, physical comedy, etc.  Why? Appeal to as many people as possible!

7. SHOWTIME!  The theatre would have been a bustling place before a performance.  Most performances would have been in the afternoon or evening – avoid the heat!  The flag on the roof signaled the type of play being performed:  Black: Tragedy  White: Comedy  Red: History

8. THE GLOBE THEATER

9. THEATER CLOSURES  In the 1590’s and early 1600’s England was hit by the bubonic plague.  All theaters were closed for a time until the plague could be contained.  About 50,000 people in London died as a result.

10. CONTINUED…  Puritan authorities took over in 1642.  Outlawed plays and demolished the Globe Theater in 1644.  All actors were seized and whipped, and anyone caught attending a play was fined.  The Puritans eventually lost power and favour, and plays were back by 1660.

11. OTHER ENTERTAINMENT  Cockfights  A fight between two roosters – it would sometimes end in death.  Incredibly popular

12. CONTINUED…  Bear Baiting  Tying a bear to a post and having dogs attack it  Would usually last for 3 “rounds”  Even Queen Elizabeth loved attending bear baiting events