The Globe Theatre

SHAKESPEARE INTRODUCTION
There is little known about Shakespeare, but we do have some facts. It is not known when Shakespeare was born but he was baptized on April 26, 1564. Shakespeares father was a merchant and his mother was the daughter of a gentlemen farmer. As a young child, Shakespeare studied Latin and Literature. In 1582, Shakespeare married a woman eight years older than him, named Anne Hathaway. Together, this couple had three children, two of them being twins. They had a daughter named Susanna and twins named Hamnet and Judith. In 1586, Shakespeare left his hometown to become a stage manager for The Theatre in London. He soon joined the acting company and performed for the king in many plays. Shakespeares earliest works were in 1591 and he wrote the famous Romeo and Juliet in 1592. Shakespeare became a wealthy business man with William Kemp and Richard Burbage. In 1611, Shakespeare moved back to his hometown because his son was deathly sick. Shakespeare died in 1616.

Shakespeare Introduction

INTRODUCTION OF THE GLOBE THEATRE

Before the first theatres in London were built, actors performed at inns and private houses. The first proper theatre was built by James Burbage taking the name of the Theatre. Shakespeare soon joined the acting company known as Lord Chamberlines Company, or The Kings Men. The 21 year lease for the land that the Theatre was built on, expired in 1597. The owner of the lease did not like the arts and raised the money on the lease. James Burbage was not able to afford the lease, which caused the acting company to be laid off. The whole thing was a big ruckus, but Shakespeare wanted another proper theatre. Shakespeare paired up with James's son, Richard Burbage, and together they built the Globe Theatre.

HISTORY OF THE GLOBE THEATRE

The Globe Theatre was built by a carpenter named Peter Smith, and his workers in 1597-1598. The theatre could hold about several thousand people and was probably the most magnificent theatre that London had ever seen. The theatre was built on the Thames River in Southwark. The theatre might seem like a place to go to watch musicals and plays, but the building was also used as brothel and gambling house. The amphitheatre was very similar to the Swan Theatre, which was similar in building structure.

STRUCTURE OF THE GLOBE THEATRE

The globe theatre was the size of a football field and could hold several thousand people. There was a round stage platform in the middle. The main stage could be used outside or indoors. There were balconies, tunnels, and even trap doors! Since most of the plays occurred in the afternoon, the top of the building had a hole for the sunlight to come through. There was little to no scenery props, and the curtains were in the back of the stage. Many plays relied of past knowledge of the audience, so the audience had to listen well, watch carefully, and use plenty of imagination.

PLAYS CONDUCTED IN THE GLOBE THEATRE

The Globe Theatre was a huge success and it was built near the Bear Garden. Plays were also huge and there was a lot of money that was made. There was a constant demand for new material and there was always rivalry between other theatres. As soon as a play had been written, it was immediately shown to the public. Some plays that were shown were the following:

Julius Caesar Hamlet Twelfth Night Richard II Troilus and Cressida Alls Well That Ends Well Timon of Athens King Lear Macbeth Pericles, Prince of Tyre The Tempest The Two Noble Kinsmen Henry VIII

PICTURES OF THE GLOBE THEATRE

VIRTUAL TOUR OF THE GLOBE THEATRE

BURNING AND END OF THE GLOBE THEATRE

The Globe Theatre was only in use until 1613. On June 29, a special play was being conducted in the theatre. There was a canon used for special effects that was loaded with gunpowder and the theatre burned to the ground. There was a lot of panic, but thankfully the Globe Theatre was rebuilt in 1614.

THE NEW GLOBE THEATRE

The Globe Theatre reopened for performances in 1997. Shakespeares Globe welcomes visitors from all over the world to take part in plays and audiences. The Globe Theatre is continuing to grow and expand. Completion of the Indoor Jacobean Theatre will happen in 2013, which will present events in an indoor playhouse.

CREDITS

The End!!!!!