The Tempest: A History on Shakespeare Productions

Word of the Day

Globe Theatre

noun

1.      a theater on the south bank of the Thames in London, 1599–1613: many of Shakespeare's plays were first produced here.

Although the Globe theatre is infamously known for hosting Shakespeare’s plays: it was not the only house that accommodated to the needs of the theatre.  His plays were performed in private theatres, provincial theatres, and playhouses. Some plays were acted out in the yards of bawdy inns and in the great halls of the London Inns of Court; either way Shakespeare has truly seen and done it all. Our artistic culture is fascinated by the history of theatre and how we compare in technological growth as an advanced, and educated group of youths.

Sounds Like a Thesis…Where are we going with this?

The way Shakespearean productions were produced in the past are vastly different than that of today. Although we know little about Shakespeare himself, we make up for that lack of knowledge in information on exactly HOW his plays were created and fashioned.

For instance: Shakespeare did not have actors. The technically term  was “masterless men”. In the era, Europe ran efficiently on a strict system of guilds (or trades. This being where there would be a master and an intern, called a prodigy, apprentice, and or shadow). However, because theatre was not considered a guild until later in the century, the men were coined as outcasts. In fact, these “masterless men” were deemed so low on the totem pole, that prostitution and pirating were considered to be more suitable of a life than that of an actor.

However if an actor (or a company) could receive a PATRON, he would be legitimized to walk upon the earth as everyone else. Patrons, were Nobelmen who provided little financial help to their men. They also licensed the theatre company and approved their shows.

In London, Theatre companies were highly active. There were always at least 2-4 active companies at a time in the city (1580’s – 1642). The companies would perform their shows 6 days a week during the afternoons, yet they practically changed the billings every day. Now, come the 1590’s, an average London Theatre company would average a new play every 17 days, as compaired to the early 1580’s, were the process was much slower. The average life of these plays were about 10 performances. Most actors (such as Shakespeare) wrote their own work for their companies but many writers (such as Thomas Kyd) sold their works to companies on a one-time fee.

You’re Getting off Topic... What Does This have to do With The Globe Theatre?

The Globe Theatre wasn’t in existence until 1599, where it was solely used to house the works of Shakespeare. The inside of the globe is ornate and beautiful: known for its towering roof (dubbed “The Heavens”) and marvelous columns that hold the roof high above the stage. The Globe itself acted as the scenery for the plays. In fact, there was little to no set at all besides a basic backdrop. There were no given props: but if you were to use a prop (such as a bed, a throne or a basket) it would have to be your own property. In fact the clothing, was either their own clothing in which they wore every day or donated by the nobilities that sponsored them.

The companies had a range of 20-25 men (Shareholders, Hired Men and Apprentices).

All roles, conventionally, were played by men (the younger boys, whom had not yet reached puberty would play the female roles). The performance aspect of the plays were somewhat realistic: as the lines were all spoken. The use of masks were superfluous to the times, unless it was used as a disguise for a character. There were musical scores for Nobility members (for instance, whenever the royalty made an entrance). There were also elements of music during important announcements, battles (signaling the start) and there were indeed a few dance pieces. Most performances included a jig, which was a short lively music-and-fane piece.

Admissions for the plays were public, and depending on your “seat” location (standing room only), the fee was raised. For example: the cheapest of seats were located in the yard. The moderate pricings were in the galleries and the expensive area was the boxes, or better known as “the lord’s rooms”. There were absolutely no intermissions: however there were circulating vendors of wine, beer, ale, nuts and playing cards. The Atmosphere in a modern simile: Were very much alike todays sporting events.  

In today’s culture: theatre is what we desire it to be. The conventions of Shakespeare are not long relevant to today’s generation’s needs. In the now, audiences require showy sets, props. Not many shows use music (unless it is a musical, that is). In fact, when performing Shakespeare plays: many productions tend to choose to go over the top to relate the old customs to the new ideas of today’s generation.

So How Will MCVTS Tempest Be Performed?

It will most definitely be taken into a modern to post-modern theme: however we desire to pay a tribute to the customs of the old Shakespearean conventions. If you want to see how it really turns out…well, you’ll just have to come and see the show.

The Students of MCVTS School of the Arts
Performance Dates: March 14, 15, 16, 21, 22
112 Rues Lane East Brunswick, NJ
Tickets can be purchased by Students of MCVTS School of The Arts and or at the door