The Globe Theatre Late 1500 sConditions in London

The Globe Theatre

Late 1500 s-Conditions in London at the time were BAD! • Thames River polluted with raw sewage • Trees used up for fuel (industrialization) • Poverty (overcrowded city) • People looking for an escape

The Competition for the People’s Choice of Entertainment • • Bear-baiting Races Gambling Music Drinking/socializing Public executions …therefore, plays had to have their own unique draw

Theater in London • Performed in courtyards of inns • Theatre-first public theater, opened in 1576 • Daytime/open air • Limited set design • Relied on music, sound, costumes, props and great description

The Globe • Built in 1599 by The Lord Chamberlain’s Men (King’s Players) – Shakespeare’s company • Used timber from Theatre • Located across the Thames- “Wrong side of town” • Penny admission-This made it affordable to everyone. Used theater to send political statements, etc.

Dimensions • • Three stories Open-air About 100 feet in diameter Could hold approximately 3, 000 spectators

Actors • All men • Female parts played by young boys

The groundling • Poor audience member • Stood around stage in “the pit” • Women not allowed (had to dress up as men to attend) • Threw rotten vegetables at bad performances

The Globe, ctd. • Liable to flooding • On June 29, 1613, the Globe Theatre went up in flames during a performance of Henry VIII; was rebuilt following year • Closed down by the Puritans in 1642, deconstructed in 1644 • A modern reconstruction of theatre, named "Shakespeare's Globe", opened in 1997

Today, the Globe Theatre… • Continues to hold theatrical performances • Holds exhibitions and tours • Also has a bar and restaurant, playground, and gift shop