ELIZABETHAN THEATRE English Theatre The climax of Renaissance

ELIZABETHAN THEATRE

English Theatre The climax of Renaissance Drama came during the Elizabethan Age in England. Drama became an expression of the soul of the nation, and theatre became a vital force in the lives of the people England emerged as the leading naval and commercial power in the Western World, and the reign of Elizabeth 1 has been called The Golden Age

ELIZABETHAN ENGLAND Country unified, trade and commerce flourished Age of exploration Expanding with confidence and reflecting in it the drama of the period England became a dominant force under Elizabeth I (15581603) London largest city in Europe. Population 200, 000 1559. Doubles again in 50 years.

ELIZABETHAN THEATRE Traveling acting troupes continued. In 1550 there were at least 100 companies in England, usually comprised of 4 men and 4 boys Often in the service of a lord so as not to be prosecuted as “rogues and vagabonds” Due to Elizabeth’s support, theatre thrived and the first permanent theatres were built The first theatre was called Theatre. Later came The Rose, and The Globe (Shakespeare’s theatre)

ELIZABETHAN THEATRE Theatres were not permitted to be within the city limits and so were built as close as possible just over the river Thames. Surrounded by brothels, pubs and gaming houses Bear baiting, cock fights and tournaments were being held in the same spaces or close by

ELIZABETHAN THEATRE Theatres were unpopular with Puritans and authorities as they were associated with crime, prostitution, immorality, and the spread of diseases Luckily for theatres and theatre-goers, Elizabeth was a great lover of theatre and encouraged many performances.

ELIZABETHAN THEATRE Elizabethan playwrights wrote quite different plays than the more formal Greeks They were able to be more expansive and include many more actors and action A “new” hero full of passions and doubts replaced the old allegorical character The relationship between the laws of man and nature were emphasized. There were consequences for all actions. The Elizabethans believed firmly in supernatural beings. Marlowe has Faustus make a deal with the devil, and Shakespeare included magic, wizards, witches, ghosts, and fairies in his plays

THEATRE: A COMMERCIAL VENTURE No longer state or church supported 6 days a week (NO Sundays) In the afternoon, (2 -5)No lights Changed plays often to keep the people coming They announced what kind of play was showing with flags: Black-Tragedy, White-comedy, Red-History One play could be performed up to ten times in a season New plays in constant demand

THEATRE SPACE The theatres were built on the model of the old inns. They were designed as large wooden structures circular or octagonal in shape and with 3 tiers or galleries surrounding a yard open to the sky. The stage was divided into 3 parts, outer, inner, and upper Scenery was very simple. For example, a table stood for a room, a crown for a king

THE GLOBE THEATRE One of the most famous Elizabethan theatres Surrounded on three sides by seating “galleries” Shakespeare’s troupe performed here. He was part owner in theatre The acting company had about 25 actors, all male Half of the actors were share holders in theatre.

Globe cont. Stage was 43 feet wide Extended 1/2 way into the yard(about 27 1/2 ft) 3 stories of galleries: 12 ft. , 11 ft. And 9 ft in height 4 separately divided gentlemen’s rooms

Globe cont. The Globe held about 3000 people 1 penny admission for standing room Groundlings Higher price for gallery seating Private boxes for the nobility Sold refreshments No restroom, no intermission

TO BE OR NOT TO BE…. . The Globe theatre was burned to the ground in 1613 Fire started when a prop cannon explode during the first night performance of Henry VIII. Rebuilt on the same site. Was Demolished in 1644 when theatres were closed.

ELIZABETHAN DRAMA LANGUAGE The language was alive and direct. It was much more conversational and dynamic than the language of classical plays Written in verse - mostly Blank Verse and Iambic Pentameter Great use of metaphors and poetic imagery Emphasis on puns and witticisms - wit was considered to reflect a quick intellectual mind

ELIZABETHAN THEATRE AUDIENCE The Elizabethan audience was a crosssection of society. All social classes went to theatre: nobles, commoners, lawyers, a variety of people with different tastes and cultural backgrounds The audience was involved in the performance and made their feelings known

PLAYWRIGHTS Paid by the play Shakespeare averaged two a year Often plays of specific playwright written exclusively for one theatre. No copyright laws; use of sides William Shakespeare, Christopher Marlowe, and Ben Jonson were all influential Elizabethan playwrights

WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE Born April 1564 at Stratford–upon-Avon Father John Shakespeare was a glove maker and trader Married Anne Hathaway 1582. She was 26. He was 18 Three children: Susanna, Twins: Judith & Hamnet Wrote 37 plays, poems and sonnets. (154) Plays are divided into Histories, Tragedies, Comedies & Tragicomedy Died 1616 Left his wife his “second best” bed

THE KING’S MEN Shakespeare was a member of the Lord Chamberlain’s Men. Became King’s Men when James I became king in 1603. Company was given royal patent. Performed at court 12 times a year.

SHAKESPEARE PLAYS History Plays: Tragedies: Romeo & Juliet, Othello, King Lear, Hamlet, and Macbeth Comedies: 12 th Night, Much ado About Nothing, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, As You Like It Tragicomedies: The Tempest, A Winter’s Tale

RICHARD BURBAGE Greatest actor of the time period Shakespeare wrote parts for him Hamlet, Othello, King Lear, Anthony and others Father built “The Theatre’

CHRISTOPHER MARLOWE Educated at Cambridge Atheist, homosexual, tavern brawler Associated with the darker side of the Elizabethan period. Believed to be a government spy Died in a tavern fight at 28 Most famous play “The Tragical History of Dr. Faustus”

BEN JOHNSON Most influential after Shakespeare Had strong convictions about what audiences should like Arrogant, quarrelsome, volatile temper Imprisoned 2 times Most famous works: Volpone, The Alchemist, The Devil Is an Ass

RESTORATION THEATRE

RESTORATION THEATRE The theatre was closed in 1644 and all theatre was banned through the Cromwell period in England. When Charles II was restored to power he re-opened theatres in England. (1660) Noted for its Comedies Cynical View, witty dialogue, sophisticated sexual behavior “Virtuous” characters no matter the situation. “Honor” depended on wit not reputation

RESTORATION cont. Depicted the conventions of the Courtly society where elegance of phrase and appearance were highly prized over sincerity and morals. William Congreve(1670 -1729) Love for love, The way of the World William Wycherley(1640_1715) The Country wife Oliver Goldsmith: She stoops to Conquer Restoration was first to use women in female roles By the 1700(Queen Anne) there was a revival of classical style and morality. The change was slow at first but by 1730 (George I) the hero/heroine was becoming more virtuous.