Topic 6: Shakespeare's Theatre

Dear Readers,

Aren't you puzzled about where Shakespeare performs his plays? Read on to find out more about the theatres Shakespearean plays were performed at, as well as the differences between modern-day London Globe Theatre and the Globe Theatre during the Elizabethan Era!

Topic 6: Shakespeare’s Theatre

In what sort of buildings were Shakespeare’s plays performed?

Shakespeare’s plays could be performed in different types of buildings.

Firstly, there are huge, open-air amphitheatres, with the Globe Theatre being an example. It can accommodate about 1500 people. It is an octagonal arena, called the ‘pit’ with a diameter of approximately 100 feet, with a raised stage at one end. Made of timber, it has a thatched roof and is surrounded by three tiers of roofed galleries with balconies. There are two sets of stairs, and artificial lighting, but there is no heating there. Behind the stage, there is a roofed ‘house’ with pillars which contains the props, called the ‘Hut’. These pillars acted as the support for a roof, which is used for dramatic flying entrances, and is called the ‘Heavens’. Behind, there is a wall, named ‘Frons Scenae’, above which is a stage gallery called the Lord’s Room used by actors, musicians and the rich. Flanked on the two sides are the Gentlemen’s Rooms.

There are also smaller, indoor Playhouses where Shakespearean plays are also performed. A good example would be The Blackfriars Theatre Playhouse. Ticket prices for plays here are more exorbitant, because the capacity is 700, less than half of that for amphitheatres. For Blackfriars, there is good artificial lighting as well as other amenities.

Lastly, there is the Inn-yard, which was the original venue for all plays, for large taverns and inns. They are surrounded by balconies which led to the lodging areas for travellers.

How did the physical constraints of the theatre affect the language of Shakespeare’s plays?

Due to the limited space in the theatre, there was unable to be backgrounds to depict the physical landscape of the setting in the story. This was therefore needed to be incorporated into the play through the means of language. A good example would be in “Romeo and Juliet”, where the prologue states, “Two households, both alike in dignity, / In fair Verona, we lay our scene”. This sets the story at a particular place, but is beautifully and skilfully woven into the poetic lines of the story.

What sort of people acted in plays? What sort of people went to see them?

Only males were allowed to act in plays, so the female roles were taken by young boys, whose voices have not broken and pitch is still high. As for the male roles, they were taken, of course, by the men, whose voices are deeper and “manlier”.

There was no restriction on the sort of people who went to see plays. Even women were permitted to watch plays.

How was ‘the theatre’ viewed by society?

The affluent people perceived the actors as rogues and scoundrels, though they still often visited the theatres to watch plays. The average man on the street were clamoured to watch the actors perform in the plays. Although there was some disapproval towards ‘the theatre’, they were often called to court to perform plays.

Compare the modern day Globe Theatre in London with the theatres that Shakespeare worked in.

After the demolishment of the Globe Theatre in Shakespeare’s time, there was a replica made of the Globe Theatre in Southwark, London, England, called Shakespeare’s Globe.

Both theatres were situated near River Thames, so that the environment and ambience of Globe Theatre still remained now. There were no spotlights, so the plays were staged during daylight hours and evenings, just as in the Elizabethan era. There were also no microphones, speakers, nor amplification. The physical structure of Shakespeare’s Globe is made of English oak, without any metal, so it is identical to the timber-made Globe Theatre of old.

Nonetheless, there are some differences between the two.

The pit is made of concrete flooring, as opposed to the original earthen flooring. There are fire preventions in Shakespeare’s Globe, like retardants and sprinklers, unlike the original Globe. The theatre has extensive backstage areas for actors, which is attached to a modern lobby with many facilities and shops for the audience. This is obviously something new, as the Theatre is no longer just a theatre, but a world-renowned tourist attraction today. In addition, the seating capacity of Shakespeare’s Globe is only half that of the Globe Theatre of olden times, making it more comfortable for the smaller audience. In winter, Shakespeare’s Globe becomes an educational place, and throughout the year, there are tour groups bringing tourists around, which is also a difference from the original Globe.

References:

Author Unknown. (Date Unknown). William Shakespeare: “Performances of William Shakespeare’s Plays”. http://www.william-shakespeare.org.uk/performances-william-shakespeare-plays.htm (Accessed 11 June 2011)

Wishingheknew. (9 June 2011). Yahoo Answers: “Were women allowed to watch Shakespeare’s plays in his times?” http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20110609080634AAXfLtg (Accessed 11 June 2011)

Author Unknown. (Date Unknown). Wikipedia: “Shakespeare’s Globe”. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shakespeare%27s_Globe (Accessed 12 June 2011)

Tan, Benedict; Mak, Keloysius; Ong, Keith; Toh, Ming Jie; Yap, John. (2010). Slideshare: “Shakespeare’s Theatre”. http://www.slideshare.net/johnyap11/shakespeares-theatre (Accessed 12 June 2011)


Best Regards,
Nathan :)