Shakespeare's Globe Theatre. One of the oldest theaters in London: history

2024 Author: Leah Sherlock | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 05:25

Shakespeare's Globe Theater is considered one of the most famous not only in the UK, but also in Europe. Today it is not only a famous cultural institution, where you can see productions of famous directors and watch the stars of the world theater scene play, but is also one of the most famous attractions in London.

Backstory

It all started with the construction of the first public theater in London in 1576 in Shoreditch, which everyone simply called “The Theatre”. It belonged to James Burbage, who worked as a carpenter in his youth, but later became an actor and assembled his own troupe. This theater lasted until 1597, when the owner of the land on which it stood demanded that the site be vacated or double the rent paid to him. Then the sons of the owner of the institution - Richard and Cuthbert - decided to establish a new institution on the other side of the Thames and transported there on rafts the dismantled wooden structures of the stage - beam by beam.

The first “Globe”

The construction of the new theater lasted 2 years. As a result, Burbage's heirs became the owners of half of the building and took 50 percent of the shares of the new institution. As for the remaining securities, they divided them among several of the most famous members of the old troupe, one of whom was the actor and author of most of the plays that make up the repertoire of the Globe - William Shakespeare.

The new theater lasted only 14 years, during which there were premieres of almost all the works written by the great playwright. The Globe was incredibly popular, and among the spectators one could often see important nobles and aristocrats. Once, when the play “Henry the Eighth” was on stage, the theater cannon failed, as a result of which the thatched roof ignited, and the wooden building burned to the ground within a few hours. Fortunately, no one, except for one spectator who received minor burns, was injured, but Shakespeare's Globe Theater, considered one of the most famous institutions of its kind in England at that time, was destroyed.

History from 1614 to 1642

Shortly after the fire, the theater was rebuilt on the same spot. However, to date, researchers do not have a common opinion about whether William Shakespeare participated in the financing of the new project. As biographers of the playwright note, during this period he had big he alth problems, and it is quite possible that he gradually began to retire. Anyway, Shakespearedied April 23, 1616, while the second theater lasted until 1642. It was then that the Globe was closed, and its troupe was disbanded, as a civil war broke out in England, and the Puritans who came to power achieved a ban on any entertainment events as inconsistent with Protestant morality. After 2 years, the theater building was completely demolished, thus freeing up space for the construction of residential apartment buildings. At the same time, the construction was carried out so densely that there were not even any traces of the existence of the Globe Theater.

Excavations

Great Britain is known as a country where over the past 500 years they have been very attentive to documents and archives. Therefore, it is very strange that until the end of the 80s of the last century, no one could name the exact place where the famous Shakespeare's Globe Theater was located in the 17th century. Light on this question was shed by archaeological excavations carried out in 1989 in the parking lot of Anchor Terrace, located on Park Street. Then scientists managed to find parts of the foundation and one of the towers of the Globe. According to scientists, it would be worth continuing to search for new fragments of the theater complex in this area even today. However, research is not possible, as there are architectural monuments of the 18th century nearby, which, according to British law, are not subject to analysis.

What was the theater building under Shakespeare

The dimensions of the second "Globe" are still not known for certain, but scientists were able to restore its plan with greataccuracy. In particular, they managed to establish that it was built in the form of a three-tiered open amphitheater with a diameter of 97-102 feet, which could simultaneously accommodate up to 3 thousand spectators. At the same time, it was initially believed that this structure was round, but excavations of part of the foundation showed that it resembled an 18- or 20-sided structure and had at least one tower.

As for the internal structure of the Globe, the elongated proscenium reached the middle of the open courtyard. The stage itself, with a trapdoor, from which the actors stepped out when necessary, was 43 feet wide, 27 feet long and was raised above the ground to a height of about 1.5 m.

Spectator seats

The description of the Globe Theater that has survived to this day indicates that quite comfortable boxes for the aristocracy were located along the wall on the first tier. Above them were galleries for we althy citizens, while less well-off but respected Londoners and young people who had money, watched the performance, sitting on the seats located right on the stage. There was also a so-called pit in the theater, where the poor were allowed, who were able to pay 1 penny to watch the performance. Interestingly, this category had a habit of eating nuts and oranges during theatrical performances, so when excavating the foundation of the Globe, piles of shell fragments and citrus seeds were found.

Backstage and seats for musicians

A roof was erected over the back of the stage, supported by massive pillars. Under it, at a distance of human height, there was a ceiling with a hatch, paintedclouds, from where, if necessary, the actors could descend on ropes, depicting deities or angels. During the performances, stage workers were also there, lowering or raising the scenery.

From backstage, where the members of the troupe changed their clothes and from where they watched the performance in anticipation of their exit, two or three doors led to the stage. A balcony adjoined the wings, where the musicians of the theater orchestra were seated, and in some performances, for example, during the production of Romeo and Juliet, it was used as an additional platform on which the play took place.

Shakespeare's Globe Theater today

England is considered one of the countries whose contribution to the world of dramatic art is difficult to overestimate. And today, well-known, including historical, theaters in London, of which there are more than a dozen, do not lack spectators throughout the season. Of particular interest is the third "Globe" in a row, since visiting it is akin to a kind of time travel. In addition, tourists are attracted by the interactive museum operating under it.

In the 1990s, the idea arose to revive the English Globe Theatre. Moreover, the well-known American director and actor Sam Wanamaker, who led the project, insisted that the new building be built in such a way that it resembled the original as much as possible. Reviews of tourists who have already attended the performances of the Globe Theater testify that a rather large team of famous architects, engineers and consultants are involved in the implementation of the project for the revival of one of the most famous culturalinstitutions in the history of London, it succeeded to the fullest. They even covered the roof with thatch, soaking it with a fire-fighting compound, although such a building material has not been used in the British capital for more than 250 years. The opening took place in 1997, and for about 18 years it has been possible to watch performances of many Shakespeare's plays with original sets and costumes. Moreover, as during the reign of James the First and Charles the First, there is no artificial lighting in the theater and performances are held only during the day.

Performances

As already mentioned, the basis of the repertoire of the revived "Globe" - plays by William Shakespeare. Particularly popular are performances such as "The Taming of the Shrew", "King Lear", "Henry IV", "Hamlet" and others, which are played the way they were in the 17th century. In fairness, it must be said that not all the traditions of the Shakespearean theater have been preserved in the modern Globe. In particular, female roles are now played by actresses, not by young actors, as was customary 250 years ago.

Most recently the theater came on tour to Russia and brought a production of the play "A Midsummer Night's Dream". Not only Muscovites, but also residents of Yekaterinburg, Pskov and many other cities of our country could see it. The responses from the Russians were more than admiring, even though most viewers listened to the text in simultaneous translation, which could not but interfere with the holistic perception of the actors' performance.

Where is it and how to get there

Today Shakespeare's Globe Theater is located at: NewGlobe Walk, SE1. The easiest way to get there is by subway to Cannon St, Mansion House station. Since the building is partially without a roof, it is possible to become a spectator at the performance of the Globus Theater only from May 19 to September 20. At the same time, tours of the building are organized throughout the year, allowing you to see not only the stage and the auditorium, but also how the scenery and backstage are arranged. Tourists are also shown costumes made according to sketches of the 17th century and old theatrical props. The price for visiting the theater as a museum of the theater arts of Shakespeare's times is 7 pounds for children and 11 pounds for adults.

Now you know the history of the Globe Theatre, how to get there and what performances you can see there.