ShakespeareShakespeare1564-16161564-1616

Basic Shakespeare FactsBasic Shakespeare Facts• Born: April 23rd,1564• Died: April 23rd, 1616• Married Anne Hathaway in 1582

– He was 18, she was 26– They had 3 children together

• Susanna, Hamnet and Judith (twins)– Hamnet died as a child.

The Age of ShakespeareThe Age of Shakespeare• He wrote from 1585-1616 during the

Renaissance or the Elizabethan Age • This time period is known for its theater

and thriving literature

• Queen Elizabeth and King James of Scotland were great supporters of literature and the arts.– They both supported Shakespeare during

their reign • This time period also brought economic

and social growth to England.

Shakespeare’s PatronsShakespeare’s Patrons

• During Shakespeare’s time, actors were referred to as “players.”

• Players were not always greatly accepted by the cities they visited because play-acting was considered sinful by some communities.

• In 1574, players were banished from London.

The Lives of ActorsThe Lives of Actors

TheatersTheaters• To get around this, James Burbage built the first

public playhouse, or theater, in England.• Shakespeare’s company performed at Burbage’s

theater until building their own.• Shakespeare (along with other company

shareholders) built his theater in 1599.– He called it the “Globe” and referred to it as the

wooden “O”• The Globe was a circular building with three levels

overlooking a courtyard with a platform stage

The Wooden OThe Wooden O• Day time, outdoor performances

only• Flags were used to show that a

play was being held– Black: tragedy– White: comedy– Red: history

• In 1613, a cannon caught the Globe on fire

• It was rebuilt in 1614• It was demolished in 1644 by the

Puritans because it was immoral

The Wooden OThe Wooden O• Three main parts: the building

proper, the stage-Pit (5ft above the ground), and the tiring house (used for dressing)

• Heaven: decorated with a zodiac

• Hell: upper & lower trap doors• 3 stories high• Fit 3,000 people

The CostThe Cost• 1 shilling to stand• 2 shillings to sit in

the balcony• 6 shillings for the

galleries-Private/Lords Room

• 1 shilling was 10% of their weekly income

ActorsActors• Elaborate costumes, but

props were minimal. Scene changes were announced by actors

• Characters were performed by males only (even the female roles)

• Had to have great memorization skills for 2 hour long plays

CustomersCustomers• Play seekers ranged from

Queen Elizabeth I to the poorest of the land.

• Private plays were performed for people of the highest nobility.

• The audience was allowed to throw rotten food at bad actors.

PlaguePlague• The Black or Bubonic

Plague killed millions throughout Europe and Asia

• Theaters were closed; however, Shakespeare presented plays for King James during this time

Flag

Trap Door

Heaven

Tiring HouseUpper Stage Galleries

Stage

Inner Stage

Yard

Pillars

Entrance Foundation