Shakespeare An introduction to Drama Shakespeare and the

Shakespeare An introduction to Drama, Shakespeare, and the Globe Theatre Created by Mrs. Gregory Edited by Ms. Barbour

Drama l A. Theories about the origins of drama – – – 1. Grew out of natural love of storytelling and re-enactment of victorious hunts or battles. 2. Arose out of hymns of praise sung at tombs of dead heroes 3. Originated with ancient religious ceremonies, performed to win favor from the gods.

B. Drama – Similarities to other genres l l l 1. Plot structure like the short story 2. Characters/settings limited like the short story 3. Multi themed like the novel

C. Drama – Unique Characteristics l l l Written to be acted or read aloud (gestures) Divided into acts and scenes for the purpose of break in action, change in time or place Contains number of minor climaxes to hold audience’s attention.

The Elizabethan Age l l A. Dates: 1558 -1603 B. Characteristics: l l Religious argument between Catholics and Protestants Elizabeth’s 45 year reign provided peace and security so the arts could flourish (art, drama, literature) Elizabeth was considered a weak-minded monarchbecause she loved the arts. Exploration and expansion- Drake sailed around the world, defeat of the Spanish Armada in 1588

Shakespeare l l l Birth: April 23, 1564 in Stratford on Avon in England (94 mi. from London) Grammar school- probably attended a free public grammar school until 15 where he studied Latin, Greek, logic, rhetoric, and great works of the past (Ovid, Plutarch) Marriage- Anne Hathaway(26) at age 18; first child five months later!

Shakespeare continued l l Children- 3 children (one set of twins) no direct descendants Place of residence: London; owned property in Stratford on Avon. Became successful actor by 1592 Between 1592 -1594; Theatres closed due to the plague so he began to write poetry, well known for poetry and drama.

Shakespeare continued l l l Acting company: Lord Chamberlain’s Men Stage on which they performed: The Globe Theatre Shakespeare owned 10% of The Globe Number of plays written- 36 Types of plays: Tragedy, Comedy, History, Fantasy/Romance

Shakespeare continued l l Works went unpublished until 7 years after his death in the First Folio. Who put the plays together? John Heminges and Henry Condell Death: Retired to S. on Avon and died there on his birthday, April 23 in 1616. Buried: Chancel in Church of Holy Trinity

The Globe Theatre in London, England

The Globe Theatre l l Opened in 1599; church protested Located outside of London Structure: See handout People who attended l 1. women l 2. Queen Elizabeth I (often) l 3. Groundlings- poor, uncultured people who sat on the ground; brought own food, threw at actors for a bad performance (cost: 1 penny to attend)

The Globe Theatre continued l About the plays – – – 1. Different play every day 2. Lasted about two and a half hours (daytime) 3. No acts, but frequent intermissions 4. No scenery, but elaborate props and costumes 5. Many devices, scaffolds, pulleys, etc. 6. No programs

Acting l l 1. Doubled or tripled parts; played by all men (yes, that means men played women’s parts) 2. To be an actor, one had to be an expert in: l Fencing l Tumbling l Dancing l Elocution- words more important than actions l Music- playing an instrument

Globe Diagram • • Outer stage Trap door The Pit Inner stage Tiring house façade Hut Turret • Upper stage/music room • “Lord’s Room” • Trap door • The “heavens” • “Hell” • Gallery seats • Colored flag

Flag Turret Lords’ Room Heavens Hell Inner stage Outer

Then

Then again

Exterior Paintings Interior

Now

Now again

Stage

Heavens (above the stage)

Building Plan