The Globe - Shakespeare Theater

The Globe

The Globe is the Shakespeare theater and was built in 1599, under Elizabeth I. The Globe was on the South bank of the Thames, on the north of London. So, this theater was not located in London.

The rich and the poor people went to this theater.

A part of the Globe, called ‘’the yard” was for poor people. Today, spectators have to pay to stand and watch the play. In 1610, rich people had to pay to sit on the stage. The seats were wooden benches, so rich people could hire a cushion if they found the seats too hard.

Open air

The actors had to speak loudly because it was an open air theater. Spectators got wet when it rained. Audiences were close to the actors. Men play men’s roles, young boys had to play women’s roles because acting was dishonorable for women. Often audiences weren’t very respectful of the actors. For example, they could eat, drink and talk during the show.

They could throw things if they didn’t like an actor. If actors were playing bad guys, the audience would boo. On the other hand, if actors were playing good guys, the audience would cheer.

Music was very important for Shakespeare. A gallery for the musicians was just situated behind the stage. Today, all the instruments are the same used in Shakespeare’s time.

Shakespeare acted in his plays in this theater. He was considered to be the greatest playwright in the English language.

In 1613, during a performance, a misfired canon ball set the Globe’s thatched roof on fire. It was rebuilt in 1614, and closed by the Puritans in 1642. It was demolished in 1644.

Shakespeare’s current Globe Theater was built in 1996 and opened its doors in 1997. The theater was built as before, according to Elizabethan plans of the original theatre and by using the techniques of construction of this period, but now, the roof is fire-resistant.

The reconstructed theater.

The atmosphere is compared to a rock concert or a football match. ...

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