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It is a good idea to look at the situation of the theatre, before
and while Shakespeare was writing. The reason is clear; the situation
would limit what Shakespeare could do.
Firstly, there weren't many theatres. This is a massive limitation
if you want to put a play on. Most theatre companies, at the time,
travelled around. The actors, or players, would stop in a 'playing-place'.
This might be a market square, village green or, the most popular,
a tavern's courtyard.
They would set up their theatre right there. This would usually
be a wooden trestle stage, which was easy to carry and easy to
set up.
It wasn't until 1576 that the first custom-made theatre was built.
This was called, appropriately, The Theatre. The Theatre was built
in north London, outside the city limits. From 1576 to when Shakespeare
died in 1616, about a dozen theatres were built in London. At that
time, London had a population of just 200,000. That growth is like
modern day multiplex cinemas.
Perhaps the most significant limitation for Shakespeare would
be the theatres. When the custom made theatres were built, the
stage consisted of three main areas. Have a look at the picture
above.
1. The Open Stage. This was the main acting area, a large
wooden stage about six feet high. Often there would be a trap door,
through which people could enter or exit.
2. The Inner Stage. At the back of the Open Stage there
was a curtain. Behind the curtain was the Inner Stage. Here there
could be some furniture, which could represent a bedroom or an
office. The curtain would remain closed for the play, and only
opened for a specific scene.
3. The Upper Stage. This is the balcony above the Inner
Stage. P> These stages did not allow a great deal of scope for
sets or props. Also, the lighting would have been very basic. Most
plays would have been performed during the day.
Another limitation came from the establishment. The court, the
kings or queens, enjoyed and supported theatre, but they realised
that they must impose controls on the types of play performed and
who was playing in them. Local officials were given the task of
licensing plays and playing-places.
It was also forbidden to perform plays that dealt with matters
of religion or governing the country. This was reserved for those
of 'authority, learning and wisdom'.
In 1574 regulations were brought in and applied to playing-places
within the city limits. These stated there could be no performance
of any unlicensed, improper or seditious plays, and no performances
on Sundays and Holy days.
This is why most of the theatres were built outside of the city
limits, where these regulations did not apply. The Puritans wanted
to stop plays altogether. They believed that plays were the work
of Satan. The final suppression came in 1642 with the Roundheads.
There was also one major limitation for the companies. They had
no women. Most players were considered to be vagabonds in league
with the devil, so only women of ill repute would dare go on stage.
It was more acceptable in Italy or France, but in England women
were rarely seen performing. Female parts were played by young
boys. This makes it very interesting when you are writing a love
story, like Romeo and Juliet.
In order to avoid charges of vagabondage, the players would join
a company with a nobleman as a patron. The nobleman was held responsible
for the behaviour of the players, so he may interfere if he thought
the play was a bit risqué. |
