Shakespeare - The Globe Theatre London tour

Summary

This video takes viewers on a journey through the history of Shakespeare's Globe Theatre, exploring its 17th-century origins and modern-day recreation. It delves into the unique aspects of the theatre, including its open-air design, audience participation, and acoustics. The speaker highlights the challenges faced in rebuilding the theatre, such as fire risks and the lack of women actors at the time. Additionally, it touches on the role of the 'Groundlings' and the cultural context of the era, offering a glimpse into the immersive and vibrant theatrical experience of Shakespeare's time.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Shakespeare Globe Theatre, rebuilt recently, was originally constructed in the 17th century.
• 😀 The theatre's name, 'The Globe,' reflects the idea that everyone in the world is an actor.
• 😀 Plays were performed during the day due to a lack of funds for artificial lighting.
• 😀 Audience participation was a key feature, especially from the Groundlings, the cheapest seats.
• 😀 The Groundlings would interact vocally and even throw things at the actors if displeased.
• 😀 In the 17th century, women were not allowed to act in plays, making all actors male.
• 😀 The church was critical of theatre, calling it a 'nest of the devil,' and theatres were often located outside city walls.
• 😀 The Globe Theatre was designed to be affordable and accessible, with some tickets costing as little as five pounds.
• 😀 Audience members could get very close to the actors, creating a sense of involvement and intimacy in the performance.
• 😀 The theatre was built with attention to acoustics, with the best seats offering the clearest sound.
• 😀 The stage represented three elements: Heaven (the zodiac signs above), Earth (the stage itself), and Hell (below the stage).

Q & A

What was the original purpose of the Globe Theatre and when was it built?

The Globe Theatre was originally constructed in the 17th century as a venue for Shakespeare’s plays and other performances. It was built to serve the growing demand for popular theater in London.

Why were performances held during the day at the Globe Theatre?

Performances were held during the day because the theatre could not afford artificial lighting, such as candles, to stage shows at night.

Who were the 'Groundlings' and what was their role in the Globe Theatre?

The Groundlings were the audience members who bought the cheapest tickets and stood in the open area in front of the stage. They were known for their active participation, often shouting at actors or even throwing objects if displeased with the performance.

What significant social and cultural constraints existed at the time the original Globe Theatre was built?

At the time, women were not allowed to perform on stage, and the church criticized theatre as a 'nest of the devil.' The Globe Theatre was also located outside the city walls due to its controversial nature.

How does the modern Globe Theatre attempt to replicate the experience of the original 17th-century theatre?

The modern Globe Theatre aims for authenticity by using similar construction methods, including a thatched roof, and by ensuring the stage design, acoustics, and even 17th-century-style costumes reflect the original performances.

What role did acoustics play in the design of the Globe Theatre?

Acoustics were crucial to the experience of the play, with the most expensive seats positioned where the sound quality was best, allowing the audience to clearly hear the actors despite the open-air setting.

What symbolic elements are represented in the Globe Theatre’s architecture?

The stage is divided into three symbolic realms: the sky (heaven), represented by the painted blue ceiling with zodiac signs; the earth, represented by the main stage; and hell, symbolized by the trapdoor underneath the stage.

Why was it difficult to rebuild the Globe Theatre after the original one burned down?

It was difficult to rebuild the Globe because getting permission for the construction of a thatched roof, after the original Globe had burned down twice, was challenging. It took eight years to gain approval.

How much did it cost to see a play in the Groundlings section, and what was unique about the experience?

It costs just five pounds to stand in the Groundlings section today. The experience was unique because of the direct interaction between the audience and actors, who were physically close to the stage and part of the performance.

How did the Globe Theatre's location outside the city walls impact its reputation?

The Globe's location outside the city walls reflected its controversial nature. The church criticized the theatre, and it was seen as an entertainment venue for the masses, often considered morally questionable at the time.