Globe Theatre

Definition

The Globe Theatre was a prominent playhouse in London, built in 1599 by the Lord Chamberlain's Men, a playing company in which William Shakespeare was a key member. This iconic structure became the primary venue for many of Shakespeare's plays, helping to shape the landscape of English theatre during the late 16th and early 17th centuries. The Globe's design and features reflected the theatrical practices of the time and played a significant role in making plays accessible to diverse audiences.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Globe Theatre was constructed using timber from an earlier theatre called The Theatre, which was dismantled and relocated to build the Globe.
2. The original Globe Theatre had a circular design, with an open roof allowing natural light to illuminate performances during the day.
3. The theatre could accommodate around 3,000 spectators, with different ticket prices allowing access to various sections, including standing room in the pit or seated areas in the galleries.
4. Plays performed at the Globe typically featured a mix of genres, including tragedy, comedy, and history, catering to a wide audience with varying tastes.
5. The Globe Theatre was destroyed by fire in 1613 during a performance of Henry VIII, but it was rebuilt the following year and continued to operate until it was ultimately closed in 1642.

Review Questions

• How did the design of the Globe Theatre influence the way plays were performed and received by audiences?
  • The design of the Globe Theatre, with its circular shape and open roof, allowed for natural lighting and created an intimate atmosphere that engaged audiences. The proximity of actors to spectators in the pit facilitated interaction and heightened the emotional impact of performances. This setup encouraged a diverse range of audience members to experience theatre together, influencing how plays were staged and how they resonated with viewers from different backgrounds.
• Discuss the role of the Lord Chamberlain's Men in relation to the Globe Theatre and its significance in Shakespeare's career.
  • The Lord Chamberlain's Men were instrumental in establishing the Globe Theatre as a premier venue for theatrical performances. As a member of this company, Shakespeare not only wrote many of his most famous plays for their performances but also acted in them. The support from this playing company allowed him to gain prominence as a playwright and solidified his legacy within English literature, as the Globe became synonymous with his works.
• Evaluate the impact of the Globe Theatre on the evolution of English theatre in terms of audience accessibility and theatrical innovation.
  • The Globe Theatre had a profound impact on English theatre by making performances accessible to a broad audience through its varied pricing structure and capacity. This democratization of theatre fostered innovation in storytelling and performance techniques as playwrights like Shakespeare responded to diverse audience preferences. The combination of engaging narratives, innovative staging practices, and social interaction created a dynamic theatrical culture that set foundational standards for modern theatre.

Related terms

Theatrical Conventions:

Established practices and techniques used in theater that dictate how performances are staged and how audiences interact with them.

Lord Chamberlain's Men:

A leading theatrical company during Shakespeare's time, known for performing many of his plays at the Globe Theatre and other venues.

Pit: The area in front of the stage at the Globe Theatre where the audience could stand and watch performances, often referred to as 'the yard'.