Notes on Macbeth and Shakespeare’s Theater

1. Notes on Macbeth and Shakespeare’s Theater

2. Technical terms: • Aside • Foil • Monologue (R28) • Soliloquy (R32) • Tragedy (R33)

3. About William Shakespeare: • believed to be born on April 23, 1564 baptismal record is dated April 26th –traditionally done three days after a child was born. • died on April 23, 1616 (important because it is the Feast Day of St. George, the patron saint of England) • His plays were written from 1590 through 1613 • famous and controversial in his own day • Master of the English Renaissance who gave us the foundation for the modern English language

4. His plays: • never meant for publication - only for entertainment in the theater • He wanted MONEY, not literary recognition • publication of his works angered Shakespeare • Scripts were stolen regularly so that his plays could be published and sold to his fans.

5. about the size of a coffee table book The scripts of Shakespeare’s plays were in two accessible forms: folios and quartos.

6. The scripts of Shakespeare’s plays were in two accessible forms: folios and quartos. like a small paperback book

7. Quartos • published illegally during Shakespeare's day • cheaper than a full folio, but less accurate copies • hence the variations we have today

8. The shows themselves: • Elaborate costumes and props were used • Violence on stage was common • Later in the plays, the use of animal organs filled with blood were worn under the costume in fights or murder scenes in order for blood to appear when someone was cut or stabbed. • All actors were males - female parts were played by apprentice boys • Sound effects and special effects were also used - some scenery was used, but not extensively due to the need for quick scene changes • Most plays were done in only a two-hour period

9. The Globe Theater: • Shakespeare had this theater built exclusively for his plays in 1599 • used sunlight in the afternoon to light up the stage from the southwest • three stories tall to accommodate as much seating as possible. • cheapest spots were in the pit with standing room only • this cost two pennies

10. View from directly overhead… This is why they called it the “Big O.”

11. Another overhead view

12. T H E P I T Three tiers of seats for the more affluent folk

13. The heavens Ropes to lower people or effects from the heavens The stage and underworld beneath

14. There were trapdoors in the stage for various special effects

15. Balconies (second level) for musicians and scenes that call for an upper level

16. Sunlight was used during the afternoon to light the stage.

17. View from the front entrance

18. View from the pit

19. View from the top level seating

20. View of the seats on the top

21. View from the stage

22. View from the bottom level seating

23. This is the back tower of the rebuilt Globe Theater in London today.

24. The rebuilt Globe Theater in London

25. The background for Macbeth: • Story – taken from Raphael Holinshed’s Chronicles of England, Scotland and Ireland • witchcraft in the play from witches mentioned in this book • King James I wrote a book against sorcery and satanism called Demonologie • First shown to King James I, King of England (aka James VI, King of Scotland)

26. Setting • Scotland (and England) • 11th Century (in the time of King Edward the Confessor of England) • Scotland has been loosely unified for around two hundred years • Kilts and tartans differentiate clans, land and rank

27. Macbeth’s castle Duncan’s Palace Important places in Act 5 Dunsinane Birnam Wood Northumberland, England

28. Scottish Hierarchy God King (and Queen) Prince of Cumberland Lesser princes Thanes Lords Common people