Project 1

Shakespearean theatre
 BEFORE
 WHY WERE HIS PLAYS SO POPULAR
 STRUCTURE OF THE Theatre DURING HIS TIME
Different periods of his life

In that sense we can even say that the English dramatic tradition owes very little to that of the ancient classical tradition. So
some of the predecessors of drama before Shakespeare could be named as follows like mystery plays, Miracle
plays, Morality plays and the Interludes\

At the beginning of the 16th century many plays were based upon religious themes. These were called 'morality plays' and
showed good and bad conduct. Others, called 'miracle plays' showed scenes from the Bible. The main exception to this were
the plays put on by wandering groups of actors, known as 'strolling players'.

The Miracle Play or the Mystery Play

are based on the stories present in the Bible or based on the miraculous happenings in the lives of saints that led to their
martyrdom.

The use of Biblical figures in plays was observed as early as 10th century. theatre gradually evolved taking into
consideration several popular elements of the audience and by the 14th century the evolution of the drama was
considerable. all the plays were written under anonymous

Some of the well-known and frequently used in miracle and mystery plays are Resurrection of Christ, Abraham and Isaac,
Noah, Crucifixion, fall of man and the Last Judgement

The Morality Play

Morality plays of the medieval period revolved around the dramatization of allegories mainly based on the Christian life and
the journey to seek salvation. Any drama of this kind would have a clash between virtues and vices. All these characteristics
were personified and the audience could see the virtues or vices trying to get better of each other.

The finest examples of the morality plays are The Castle of Perseverance, Everyman and Mankind. They exhibit every
element expected of a morality play. Plays like these were considered as links between the medieval drama and the
Elizabethan drama.

The Interlude

Interludes, as the name suggest came in between events to provide witty entertainment to the audience. Usually, they are
very short and used the topics of politics or religious issues. But this was done in a rather funny manner; therefore, they are
considered as secular farces. They were performed by professional actors either between the acts of a long play or during a
feast, where entertainment was required.

These major forms of drama during the medieval period influenced the later ages predominantly. Shakespeare, Marlowe,
etc. were inspired by these plays and learnt to perfect the form of drama with their own ideas.

His plays give us the greatest sense of the value of human life; of how people live; of how people love and of the importance
of human relationships than any other writers of his time or of any other time. Shakespeare's plays are as popular as they
are because he was perhaps the greatest writer who has ever lived.

Shakespeare, however, had the wit and wisdom to steal plots and ideas from a lot of the plays of that era and top them
with better poetry. He also had more insight into characters' feelings and motives, and cleverer handling of light and dark,
change of pace, and the weighing up of right and wrong.

William Shakespeare is widely considered the greatest dramatist of all time as well as the most influential writer in the
history of the English language. He originated hundreds of words and phrases that English speakers use to this day. His
impact on literature is so massive that one could make an argument that every one of his works deserves a spot on this list,
but these seven plays and one poetry collection are undoubtedly among his most important achievements.

1. Universal Themes: Shakespeare delved into timeless human experiences—love, betrayal, ambition, and more. His
themes resonate across centuries, making his work relatable to diverse audiences.

2. Masterful Writing: His poetic language and iambic pentameter still captivate. Lines like “To be or not to be” have
become part of everyday speech.

3. Iconic Characters: Characters like Hamlet, with his existential crisis and skull monologue, stick in our minds. They
are like brooding superstars of the Renaissance.

4. Adaptability: Directors keep reinventing Shakespeare’s plays, placing them in various settings. This adaptability
keeps the works fresh and relevant.

5. Cultural Influence: As England’s empire expanded, so did Shakespeare’s influence. His plays served as tools for
indoctrination and cultural exchange.

In summary, Shakespeare’s enduring popularity lies in his relatable themes, poetic brilliance, and characters that transcend
time Do you have a favourite play or character from his works?

most women’s roles were played by boys or young men in the all-male casts, In addition to their dramatic talents, actors in
Shakespeare’s time had to fence onstage with great skill, sing songs or play instruments included in the plays, and perform
the vigorously athletic dances of their day.

The Theatre was among the first playhouses in England since Roman times. Like the many other playhouses that followed,
it was a multi-sided structure with a central, uncovered “yard” surrounded by three tiers of covered seating and a bare,
raised stage at one end of the yard. Spectators could pay for seating at multiple price levels; those with the cheapest tickets
simply stood for the length of the plays.

Indoor Theatres and Candlelit Soliloquies:

o While open-air playhouses like the Globe were popular, indoor theatres had their allure.

o The Globe: Built in 1599, it was a cosmic pancake—30 meters in diameter with 20 sides.

o Blackfriars Theatre: In 1609, Shakespeare’s company achieved their dream of an indoor theatre. It featured
velvet curtains, candlelit soliloquies, and cozy nooks.

o Regardless of setting, Elizabethan stages kept things relatively bare, relying on vivid language to paint
scenes. Luxurious costumes and invisible fairies (i.e., music) completed the magic.

Large open playhouses like the Globe are marvellous in the right weather, but indoor theatres can operate year-round, out
of the sun, wind, and rain. They also offer a more intimate setting with the use of artificial light. Shakespeare’s company
planned for years to operate its own indoor theatre, a goal that was finally achieved in 1609 when the Burbages took over
London’s Blackfriars theater.

The bare stages of Shakespeare’s day had little or no scenery except for objects required by the plot, like a throne, a grave,
or a bed. Exits and entrances were in plain view of the audience, but they included some vertical options: actors could
descend from the “heavens” above the stage or enter and exit from the “hell” below through a trapdoor. Characters
described as talking from “above” might appear in galleries midway between the stage and the heavens.
William Shakespeare, that elusive bard, was probably born on or around April 23, 1564, in Stratford-upon-Avon—a quaint
town nestled 100 miles northwest of London.

Shakespeare, as the son of a prominent Stratford citizen, attended the local grammar school.

Marriage and Children

He married Anne Hathaway, first child, Susanna. Such situations weren’t uncommon at the time. Twins Hamnet and Judith.
Sadly, Hamnet died in childhood, leaving a poignant echo in the playwright’s heart

The London Years: Theatrical Stardom

Shakespeare left Stratford and stepped onto the grand stage of the capital. As an actor, a playwright, and a partner in the
Lord Chamberlain’s Men (later the King’s Men), he became both prosperous and well-known. Queen Elizabeth themselves
applauded his genius.

 Birth and Early Years:

o Date: Shakespeare was baptized on April 26, 1564, in Stratford-upon-Avon, England.

o Education: He attended the local grammar school, where he immersed himself in Latin classics.

o Marriage and Family: At 18, he married Anne Hathaway, and they had three children.

 The London Years:

o Theatre and Fame: Shakespeare moved to London and became a rising playwright and actor.

o The Globe Theatre: His plays were performed at the Globe Theatre, where he achieved immense
popularity.

o Playwriting: His works span various genres—comedies, histories, and tragedies.

o Masterpieces: Notable plays include “Romeo and Juliet,” “Hamlet,” “Othello,” “Macbeth,” and “King
Lear.”

 Legacy:

o Shakespeare’s plays are marked by extraordinary poetry, vivid characters, and inventive use of English.

o His 154 sonnets express strong feelings within exquisite form.

o He retired to Stratford and lived as a country gentleman until his death in 1616. Period of
Experimentation (1588-1593):

Shakespeare Plays: Period of Experimentation (1588-1593)

To this period belong: Titus Andronicus; Henry VI (three parts); Love’s Labour’s Lost; Comedy of Errors; Two gentlemen of
Verona; Richard III; Richard II; Romeo and Juliet. The work of this period is extremely slight in texture; the treatment of life
is superficial; there is no depth of thought or characterisation; and the art is evidently immature. The work is characterised
by youthful Cheerfulness of his imagination, extravagance of language, and by a constant use of puns, conceits, and other
affections.

Shakespeare Plays: Period of the Humor and History (1594-1600)

The works of this period are: King John; The Merchant of Venice; Henry IV (Part I and Part II); Henry V; The taming of the
Shrew; The Merry Wives of Windsor; Much Ado about nothing; As you like it and twelfth Night. These plays show a rapid
growth and development in the poet’s genius. They reflect a deeper knowledge of human life and human nature; the
characterization and the humour have become more penetrating; thought has become weightier; rhyme has largely been
abandoned for prose and blank verse, and the blank verse itself has lost its stiffness.

Shakespeare Plays Period of the tragedies, and bitter comedies (1601-1607)

To this period belong: Julius Caesar; Hamlet; All’s Well that Ends Well; Measure for Measure; Troilus and Cressida; Othello;
Lear, Macbeth; Antony and Cleopatra; Coriolanus; and Timon of Athens. This is a period of gloom and depression and it
marks the full maturity of his powers. His dramatic power, his intellectual power, and his power of expression are at their
highest. This is the time of his supreme masterpieces. This Sins and Weaknesses of man form the theme of his plays; the
emphasis is thrown on evil and the tone is either grave or fierce.

Shakespeare Plays: Period of the Fine Comedies or Dramatic Romances (1608-1612)

The plays of this period are: Pericles; Cymbeline; The winter’s tale; The Tempest; and the unfinished Henry VIII. During this
period the temper of Shakespeare has changed from bitter and gloomy to serene and peaceful. A tender and gracious tone
prevails. The groundwork is still furnished by tragic passion, but the evil is no longer permitted to have its way. The evil is
controlled and conquered by the good. At the same time, they show the decline of Shakespeare’s dramatic powers. They
are often careless in construction and unsatisfactory in characterization, while there is a decline in style and versification.