English - The globe: Shakespeare's Theatre (B1-B2)

Summary

The Globe Theatre in London, a reconstruction of the original built in 1598, is a historical landmark. It was initially one of four major theaters and hosted Shakespeare's works until its destruction in 1613. Rebuilt in 1614, it was razed by Puritans in 1644. The current Globe, opened in 1997, is a faithful replica. It features an open-air stage, a thatched roof, and can accommodate 1600 patrons. The design is based on historical records, with a focus on acoustics and visibility, reflecting the importance of the script and audience experience.

Takeaways

• 📝 The Globe Theatre in London is the third iteration of the original, which was built around 1598 and opened in 1599.
• 📅 The first Globe Theatre was located approximately 200 yards away from the current site, near where the River Thames was wider at the time.
• 💻 Theatres, including the Globe, were typically found on the South Bank of the Thames during Elizabethan times, a popular area for entertainment.
• 💵 The Globe was one of four significant theaters, alongside the Hope, the Swan, and the Rose.
• 💲 The first Globe Theatre was destroyed in 1613 due to a cannon fire accident during a performance of Henry VIII.
• 💳 A second Globe was built in 1614 on the same site and stood until 1642 when it was closed and demolished by the Puritans.
• 📱 The current Globe is a faithful reproduction of the original, constructed starting in 1993 and opened in 1997, thanks to American Sam Wanamaker.
• 💹 Performances at the Globe began in the afternoon and ended before dark, as the theater was open-air with natural sunlight for lighting.
• 💷 The theater's design, including the thatched roof and materials like Lincolnshire oak, is based on historical evidence and the only known sketch of an Elizabethan theater interior.
• 💶 The Globe's audience area was divided into the standing 'yard' for 'Groundlings' and seated 'galleries', with the cheapest tickets in the yard.
• 💴 All actors were men and boys playing both male and female roles, with elaborate and specially made costumes.
• 💰 The stage design included a 'heavens' area for special effects and a balcony used for music, as well as scenes like the famous balcony scene in Romeo and Juliet.

Q & A

When was the first Globe Theatre in London built?

The first Globe Theatre was built around 1598 and opened for its first production in 1599.

How many important theaters were in the area during the time of the original Globe Theatre?

There were four important theaters in the area, including the Globe, the Hope, the Swan, and the Rose.

What happened to the original Globe Theatre?

The original Globe Theatre burnt down in 1613 during a performance of Henry VIII when a cannon fired for special effects set the thatched roof on fire.

When was the second Globe Theatre constructed?

The second Globe Theatre was built on the same site just one year later in 1614.

Why were all theaters closed in 1642?

The Puritans closed down all theaters in 1642 as well as all other forms of entertainment.

Who was the driving force behind the construction of the third Globe Theatre?

The construction of the third Globe Theatre was made possible by the determination and vision of an American, Sam Wanamaker.

In what year was the third Globe Theatre officially opened?

The third Globe Theatre was officially opened by Queen Elizabeth the Second in 1997.

How does the lighting work in the third Globe Theatre?

Lighting for performances is provided by sunlight, as the center of the circular-shaped theater is open to the sky.

What materials were used in the construction of the third Globe Theatre?

The walls are built of Lincolnshire oak timbers and plaster made of sand, lime, and goat hair, and the roof is in Norfolk reed thatch.

How many sides does the third Globe Theatre have?

The third Globe Theatre is a circular 20-sided shape.

What was the cheapest place to watch a play at the Globe Theatre?

The cheapest place to watch a play was in the pit or the yard, where the audience stood.

What was the term for the audience members who stood in the yard?

The audience members who stood in the yard were called 'Groundlings'.