Elizabethan Theatre

Overview

• Elizabethan Theatre refers to the era of theatre during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I.
• Primarily associated with William Shakespeare, whose plays were performed between 1589 and 1613.

Geography and Social Context

• London was divided by the River Thames.
• Southwark was across the river, not under London's jurisdiction, making it a hub for activities banned in London.
  • Known for taverns, gambling, prostitution, crime, and animal cruelty.

Theatre Environment

• Theatre was illegal in London, considered crude by the Church and nobility.
• The Globe Theatre, Shakespeare's theatre, was in Southwark.
  • It was called the "wooden O," round, with an open-air center.
  • Productions were in the afternoon due to lack of artificial lighting.

Theatre Structure and Features

• Elevated stage with a gallery/balcony for seating.
• The use of a cannon (without cannonball) for sound effects.
• "Flies" for suspending actors into the air, e.g., in "The Tempest."
• Trapdoors for dramatic entrances/exits, e.g., Hamlet.
• Scene painting in the script instead of painted sets.

Production Techniques

• Limited set pieces, such as a tomb in "Romeo and Juliet" or banquet tables in "Macbeth."
• Pillars used as trees in forest scenes, e.g., "As You Like It."
• Use of armor, blunted swords, stage blood, music, and sound effects.

Audience and Performances

• Audience indicated type of play by flag colors:
  • White for comedies (e.g., "A Midsummer Night's Dream")
  • Red for histories (e.g., "Henry V")
  • Black for tragedies (e.g., "Romeo and Juliet")
• Seating:
  • Upper/middle class: seats for two to six pence.
  • Groundlings: one penny to stand.

Audience Interaction

• Vendors sold oranges, roasted hazelnuts, beer, and cider.
• Groundlings were interactive, cheering and booing actors.

Role of Women in Theatre

• Female roles played by adolescent boys due to social norms.
• Women attendees sometimes wore masks to avoid recognition.

Legacy

• Shakespeare is regarded as the greatest writer in English literature.
• His plays, though centuries old, are appreciated for their beauty, excitement, humor, and suspense.