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elizabethan age globe theater
elizabethan age globe theater
the history of the globe theatre essay
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“All good things must come to an end.” This statement is especially true when discussing the Globe Theatre, an “English theatre in Southwark, London, notable for the initial and contemptuous production of William Shakespeare’s plays by the Chamberlain’s Men (know after 1603 as the King’s Men)” (Globe Theatre). The Globe Theatre was by far the most extravagant theatre in London during that time, attracting noblemen, servants, and everyone in between from all over the country. Although it received much praise over its reign, the theatre suffered through many difficulties, including the Bubonic Plague, a devastating fire, being destroyed by the Puritans, and being rebuilt differently than the style in which it was originally built,
To begin, the Globe theatre’s former success drastically lessened due to the bubonic plague. Not only did it affect the staff and audience members of the theatre, “the bubonic plague […] ravaged London killing over 33,000 people” (Alchin 1). Since so many citizens were killed, the country was focused on finding a cure for the plague and did not have time for frivolous activities such as going to plays. As a result of the epidemic, many of the wealthier men who were a part of the theater left the country while the others had to stay in England but for whatever reason were not able to put on the show. However, even if the playwrights and actors were able to put on the play, there would not be an audience to watch it because everyone was preoccupied by the rampant disease. These factors all resulted in a severe descent in success for the theatre. Even though the bubonic plague was an enormous setback for the Globe Theatre, a far more superior adversity occurred when a fire burned the theatre to the ground. ...
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...passed, the theatre got back on its feet. This pattern emphasizes just how strong some fans’ love for Shakespeare’s plays was. In conclusion, the Globe Theatre is a prime example of how greatness does not come easily.
Works Cited
“Globe Theatre.” Encyclopedia Britannica (2013): Research Starters. Web. 06. Mar. 2014.
“Globe Theatre.” Encyclopedia Britannica Online. Encyclopedia Britannica. n.d. Web. 06. Mar. 2014
Gurr, Andrew. “Globe Theatre (historical Theatre, London, United Kingdom).” Encyclopedia Britannica Online. Encyclopedia Britannica, 21 Jan. 2014. Web. 05 Mar. 2014
“The Globe Theatre.” The Globe Theatre. PlayShakespeare.com, n.d. Web. 05. Mar. 2014
“The Old Globe Theatre History.” The Old Globe Theatre History. William Shakespeare Info, n.d. Web. 06.Mar. 2014
Svetlova, Nataly. "Copy of the Globe Theatre." Prezi. Prezi Inc, 1 Feb 2014. Web. 24 Mar 2014.
The site of the Old Globe Theatre was rediscovered in the 20th century and a reconstruction started to take place as near to the place as possible. This is the theatre which still stands today, and which has been running, and holding many performances including ones written by Shakespeare.
"Elizabethan Theatre Audiences." Elizabethan Theatre Audiences. Strayer University, 16 May 2012. Web. 24 Mar. 2014.
The original Globe theater was constructed by the Lord Chamberlain’s men, the acting group to
For the Elizabethan society, the theater represents a very powerful place. The theater was used as a tool for advertising and drawing the public attention to whatever is being performed. While we may consider Hamlets
The Globe Theater is widely known as the world’s greatest amphitheatre of its time, bringing in crowds of thousands of people. The Globe was also where most of the famous playwright, William Shakespeare, performed his plays. With its unique design, the audience was able to enjoy the plays. Inside of this round and globe-like structure, the people from all around the area packed into the seats to watch Shakespeare and his actors. Despite the Globe Theater’s success, the theater had gone through many shut downs and rebuilding projects. Finally, the Globe was demolished for the last time. It was not until years later that the theater was discovered. Now, people from around the world are learning about this amphitheater and its role in the Renaissance time period. The Globe Theater is known for its structure, audience and actors, and history.
Russell Brown, J. 1995. The Oxford Illustrated History of the Theatre. 3rd ed. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
reign of the Globe theater; it was never re-built after that. What was left of the Globe was
Theatres and How We Had Fun." Little, Brown, and Company. (Boston, Toronto, London); 1991. P. 139, 144.
Elizabethan times in the 1600s was a progression for the world of the theater. A period named after Queen Elizabeth I of England, it is from this period that modern day society has its foundation for the entertainment industry. From the violence that was prevalent because of the Black Death, people turned to the theater for its poetry and romance. During this time period, there were two types of theatrical performances that were available for the people’s viewing, comedies or tragedies. These two genres were never really intertwined until the time of William Shakespeare. His play, Romeo and Juliet, is an example of both a comedy and a tragedy. It starts off as a comedy with Romeo weeping like a baby because of his love Rosaline, who did not love him back and ends as a tragedy when Romeo and Juliet, a pair of star crossed lovers, commit suicide because the lost of each other. It was also during Shakespeare’s time that writer were finally acknowledged by the people. Before this time, writers were not considered upper classman. Another group of people that began to rise into a higher social class were the actors. Actresses were not present back then because women were not allowed on stage. It was considered unladylike to have a female actor. Men played all the parts. Theater owners were dependent on actors to make them a profit. Rehearsals for the plays were fairly short, only lasting for about a week. The performances themselves would only show for three to four days.
...ressing plays, plays were definitely suppressed. Over the next decade, attempts to revive performances were made but this edict practically closed theaters, marking the end of Elizabethan drama.
The Globe Theatre was where Shakespeare had most of his plays performed. It had many decorations to make it look appealing and to try and to make it seem expensive and luxurious. The Globe Theatre was built in just 6 months between 1597 and 1598 just outside central London. The Thames River separated it from St Paul’s cathedral. The Globe was made in a round circular shape. This meant that at least one actor would have their back to the audience, however, this would not have mattered because the audience came mainly to hear the play – not to see it. When you were buying a seat for the theatre, the most expensive seats would not be the ones with the best view, they would be the closest ones in order to hear better. Also, these seats would be facing towards the audience, which means that everyone would see them, meaning fame. The Globe would usually be packed with decorations and ornaments. These would have nothing to do with the play, it was used to make the theatre look more attractive/expensive. Lots of people would come to see the plays. They would do this because Shakespeare’s plays were not published at that time so the public would want to see it...
A mere mention of the term theatre acts as a relief to many people. It is in this place that a m...
The name most associated with excellence in theatre is William Shakespeare. His plays, more than any other playwright, resonate through the ages. It may be safe to say that he has influenced more actors, directors, and playwrights than any thespian in the history of the stage. But what were his influences? During the Middle Ages theatre was dominated by morality, miracle, and mystery plays that were often staged by the church as a means to teach the illiterate masses about Christianity. It wasn’t until the early sixteenth century that Greek tragedy experienced a revival, in turn, inspiring a generation of renaissance playwrights.
Not only was disease an obstacle William Shakespeare had to overcome in his work, he was also forced to face hampering from religious aspects as well. Leaders in the Puritan community looked down upon plays, acting, and other things of that nature. These authorities thought that these activities would sway people from focusing on the importance of practicing their religion. Plays and such were not allowed to be performed while in the city of London. They were banned. Eventually, despite all the obstructions, plays and theater came to be a popular thing although still forced outside the city (“The Changing Status...”).
Ancient Greek Theater is the first historical record of “drama,” which is the Greek term meaning “to do” or “to act.” Beginning in the 5th century BC, Greek Theater developed into an art that is still used today. During the golden age of the Athenians plays were created, plays that are considered among the greatest works of world drama. Today there are thousands of well-known plays and films based on the re-make of ancient drama.