Roadmap A2 Unit 6 Shakespeare's Globe

Summary

Esme Todd visits Shakespeare's Globe Theatre in London to explore the life and legacy of William Shakespeare. Guided by expert Paul Shooter, Esme learns about the history of the original Globe Theatre, its popularity in Shakespeare's time, and the affordable prices that made theater accessible to the public. They discuss the tragic fire that destroyed the original theatre in 1613, and how Shakespeare retired to Stratford-upon-Avon, where he passed away in 1616. Esme reflects on the enduring impact of Shakespeare's works, which continue to be performed today in this iconic venue.

Takeaways

• 😀 William Shakespeare, born in 1564, is one of the most famous figures in British history, alongside other notable figures like Charles Darwin and Winston Churchill.
• 😀 Shakespeare wrote approximately 40 plays, with famous works such as *Romeo and Juliet*, *Hamlet*, and *Macbeth*.
• 😀 The Globe Theatre, where Shakespeare's plays were performed, was originally built in 1599 and later destroyed by fire in 1613.
• 😀 The modern Globe Theatre, opened in 1997, is a reconstruction that closely resembles the original, aiming to preserve the experience of Shakespearean theater.
• 😀 The original Globe Theatre could hold around 3,000 people, and it is estimated that up to 15% of London's population attended theater performances at least once a month.
• 😀 Tickets to stand in the yard of the Globe Theatre cost one penny, equivalent to the price of a loaf of bread, making it affordable for the majority of people.
• 😀 More expensive seating options included the gallery benches (costing 3 to 4 pence) and the Lord's Room, which had a premium price but offered little visibility of the stage.
• 😀 The original Globe Theatre was destroyed in 1613 when a cannon shot during a performance of *Henry VIII* caused a fire, though fortunately, only one person was injured.
• 😀 After the fire, Shakespeare retired to Stratford-upon-Avon, where he lived as a wealthy man and ultimately passed away in 1616.
• 😀 The modern-day Globe Theatre continues to honor Shakespeare's legacy, with his plays still being performed in a venue that closely resembles the one where they were first staged.

Q & A

What was the original Globe Theatre, and what happened to it?

The original Globe Theatre, built in 1599, was where Shakespeare's plays were performed. It burned down in 1613 after a cannon shot during a performance of 'Henry VIII' set the building on fire. The fire destroyed the theatre, but fortunately, no one was seriously injured.

How does the current Globe Theatre compare to the original?

The current Globe Theatre, opened in 1997, is a faithful recreation of the original, although some modern elements have been added. It was designed to replicate the original structure as closely as possible, including the open roof and the intimate, circular design.

What was the atmosphere like at the Globe Theatre in Shakespeare's time?

The Globe Theatre was noisy and lively, with audiences chatting, eating, and drinking. It was a place for socializing and entertainment, where people didn’t mind getting wet if it rained, as the theatre had no roof over the standing area.

What was the cost of attending a play at the Globe Theatre?

Tickets were affordable, with standing room costing just a penny, which was the price of a loaf of bread at the time. The prices for sitting in the galleries or more luxurious rooms ranged from a few pence to a shilling, depending on the seat's comfort and view.

Why was the Lord's Room the most expensive seat in the Globe Theatre?

The Lord's Room, located at the back and center of the stage, was the most expensive because it offered a prestigious view, allowing the person sitting there to be seen by everyone in the theatre. However, the view itself was not ideal, as it mostly showed the backs of the actors' heads.

How many people attended the Globe Theatre on average, and what percentage of London’s population went?

The Globe Theatre could hold about 3,000 people, and it is estimated that up to 15% of London's population, which was around 200,000 at the time, attended the theatre at least once a month.

What led to Shakespeare’s retirement and eventual death?

After his career in London, Shakespeare retired to Stratford-upon-Avon, where he had already achieved financial success. He passed away on April 23, 1616, and is buried in the local parish church.

What is the significance of visiting Stratford-upon-Avon in relation to Shakespeare?

Stratford-upon-Avon is significant because it is both Shakespeare’s birthplace and the place where he is buried. It remains a key destination for anyone interested in learning more about his life and legacy.

What kind of role did the Globe Theatre play in Elizabethan society?

The Globe Theatre was a central part of Elizabethan society, offering a place for entertainment, social interaction, and public gatherings. It was a popular destination for all social classes, making theatre accessible and a major part of public life.

Why is it important that Shakespeare’s plays are still performed at the Globe Theatre today?

Shakespeare’s plays continue to be performed at the Globe Theatre today, more than 400 years after they were written, as a way to preserve his legacy and make his works accessible to modern audiences. The theatre’s recreation allows visitors to experience his plays in an environment similar to how they were originally performed.