Shakespeare's World

Hamlet
Hamlet Quotes
Shakespeare Art
Fun with Shakespeare
Shakespeare Links



 
William Shakespeare is one of history's most beloved writers. 
Join me in a brief journey through his world...

The original Globe Theater was built in 1599 and burned down in 1613 (a prop cannon exploded, setting a man's breeches on fire.  Although the breeches fire was doused with beer, the theater could not be saved and had to be rebuilt.)  An updated version was built in the recent past, spearheaded by actor Sam Wanamaker.


Some interesting facts about early Elizabethan theater:

 Politicians and Ministers objected to theater, calling it immoral.

Advertising was prohibited, so the theater owners would raise a flag and herald a trumpet fanfare signaling the imminent start of a production.

The flag's color indicated the type of play:  black signified tragedy; white, comedy; and red, history.

Vendors sold beer, water, oranges, nuts, gingerbread and apples (all of which were sometimes hurled at the actors).

There were no restrooms and no intermissions.  Since few Elizabethans bathed, we assume the odor was intense indeed.

 This web page was created by  Nancy A. Farrell, M.Ed.