William Shakespeare

What EVERYONE should know about

The Bard of Avon

“He was not of an age, but for all time”Ben Jonson

Understanding of peopleSkill with wordsSense of drama

Personal Life

Born April 23rd, 1564 in Stratford-Upon-AvonFather was shopkeeper and “mayor” of townAttended free grammar school until 15

Read mythology and classics (it was the Renaissance you know).

Married to Ann Hathaway (8 years older)3 children (Susanna, Hamnet & Judith)Lived most of his life in London

Shakespeare’s birthplace at Stratford-On-Avon

Writer and ActorSuccessful actor in LondonLeading poetMember of a reparatory group – The Chamberlain’s MenWrote 36-37 plays, 154 poemsRetired to StratfordDied on his birthday 1616

Shakespeare’s PoetryCredited with:

154 Sonnets 4 long poems124 songs

Always worked within established modes. He treated the usual themes:

The beauty of his lady & his love for herHis assurance of immortality for her through his verses.

Shakespeare’s Poetry

The excellence of his poems lies not in what is said, but in how it is said. Some of his sonnets are direct at and dedicated to a young man called W.H.Others are direct to the "Dark Lady" Songs were written for plays.

Was Shakespeare a Thief?Most plays based on historical events or OTHER plays.No COPYRIGHT laws in those daysTook ordinary stories and made them EXTRAORDINARY

Shakespeare's Contribution to the English Language

Common sayings: catching a cold disgraceful

conduct Elbow room fair play

Words: assassination barefaced bumps countless critical

•dwindle •exposure •gloomy •monumental •suspicious

Actors need the following…FencingTumblingDancingElocution (speaking)Acting (duh!)Music

Shakespeare probably made more money as an ACTOR and PRODUCER than as a PLAYWRIGHT.

Hamlet sees his father’s ghost

Repertory Theater

A theater that puts on a variety of different shows rather than one show continuouslyPrevents the audience from getting bored and keeps them coming to YOUR theaterHelped stifle MEMORIZERS who would come to performances and steal your show.

Actor Jon Finch as Macbeth

Outside View

•Weren’t allowed to advertise.

•Used Flags to above building to tell of impending play.

•Black=Tragedy

•WhiteWhite=Comedy

•Red=History

This is a recreation of the Globe Theatre located in Odessa, Texas.

Front of Theatre- The point where the audience would enter.

London’s Globe – This recreation is in London, England near the location of the original.

Groundlings’ Area- Standing room only! The commoners would gather on the floor of the theater for performances.

The Balconies-Royalty and the rich would have a seated view above the commoners. Notice that the theater is open air, exposing the actors and the groundlings to the elements.

A Show lasted about 2 ½ hoursAlways in the afternoonNo “acts” but frequent intermissionsNo SceneryLots of effects (trap doors, winches, etc.)No ActressesNo “programs”