Globe Theatre

Definition

The Globe Theatre was a prominent theater in London where many of Shakespeare's plays were performed from 1599 until it was destroyed by fire in 1613. This iconic venue played a vital role in the development of English drama and was instrumental in shaping the theatrical landscape of Elizabethan England, providing a space for innovative stagecraft and historical narratives.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Globe Theatre was built in 1599 by the Lord Chamberlain's Men, Shakespeare's acting company, and it became the primary venue for his plays.
2. The theater was circular or octagonal in shape, with an open roof allowing natural light to illuminate performances during the day.
3. The Globe could hold about 3,000 spectators, including groundlings who paid a lower fee to stand in the pit and wealthier patrons who sat in covered seating areas.
4. In 1613, the Globe Theatre caught fire during a performance of Henry VIII when a cannon used for special effects misfired, leading to its reconstruction shortly after.
5. The original Globe was closed down in 1642 by the Puritans and demolished two years later; however, a modern reconstruction named 'Shakespeare's Globe' opened in 1997 near the original site.

Review Questions

• How did the Globe Theatre influence the development of English drama during Shakespeare's time?
  • The Globe Theatre significantly influenced English drama by providing a dedicated space for theatrical performances where innovative staging and diverse narratives could thrive. It allowed for large audiences to experience Shakespeare's works, which featured complex characters and intricate plots. This exposure helped shape public taste and establish drama as a respected art form, paving the way for future playwrights and performers.
• Discuss how the architectural design of the Globe Theatre contributed to the theatrical experience of its audiences.
  • The architectural design of the Globe Theatre greatly enhanced the theatrical experience by incorporating features like an open roof that brought natural light into the space. The circular shape allowed for good visibility from all angles, making it easier for large audiences to engage with performances. Additionally, separate seating areas catered to different social classes, creating a diverse audience dynamic that enriched the overall atmosphere of each show.
• Evaluate the impact of the Globe Theatre on historical plays during Elizabethan England and how these performances reflected societal values and concerns.
  • The Globe Theatre had a profound impact on historical plays during Elizabethan England by providing a platform for playwrights like Shakespeare to explore national identity and historical events through drama. These performances often reflected societal values and concerns, such as issues of power, loyalty, and morality. By engaging audiences with both entertainment and commentary on contemporary issues, historical plays at the Globe contributed to public discourse and fostered a deeper understanding of England's past.

Related terms

Elizabethan Drama: A form of English theater that flourished during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I, characterized by its use of complex characters, intricate plots, and a mix of tragedy and comedy.

Innyard Theatre: An early form of theater where performances were held in the yards of inns, which laid the groundwork for later, more sophisticated venues like the Globe Theatre.

Groundlings: The lower-class audience members who stood in the pit at the Globe Theatre to watch performances, often reacting vocally to the action on stage.