Elizabethan Times and Theater
Author: Obeid Al Marri
Greetings and salutations fellow bloggers and bloggerettes, in this
blog, I thought I was spice things up by dedicating this blog to a topic that
was discussed in a particular English period at school surrounding the
Elizabethan times and theater.
As you read the title of this blog, you probably thought “Hey! What
is this?” and realized it was written by me and decided to click that exit
button but WAIT! I will surely captivate you with this very interesting topic!
Firstly, let me provide you with a brief introduction on the Elizabethan
times.
Considered to be one of the most prominent and intriguing periods
of time in England’s History, the Elizabethan eras’ name was entitled after her
majesty, the queen of England, Queen Elizabeth I. This era didn't only experience
the ruling of a Virgin Queen but also sought the birth of great explorers
comprising of Francis Drake and Walter Raleigh. The general advancement in
international trading rights also took place as a product of global
integration.
This was also the time during which Elizabethan theater flourished,
and William Shakespeare and many others composed plays that broke free of
England's past style of theater It was an age of exploration and expansion
abroad, while back at home, the Protestant Reformation became more acceptable
to the people, most certainly after the Spanish Armada was repulsed. It was
also the end of the period when England was a separate realm before its royal
union with Scotland.
Queen Elizabeth I was very interested in the theater arts and its
influence and decided to continually dedicate her resources funding organizations
that well, organized them..
Theater Example:
The first proper theater was built at Shoreditch in 1576.
Subsequent to this period of time, plays were performed in the courtyard of
inns, or in some instances, in the houses of noblemen. A noble had sensitive
about which play he allowed to be performed within his home, however, no matter
which that was controversial or political was likely to get him and his
affiliates in trouble with the hierarchy.
The Extravagant
Theater Atmosphere:
Most theaters were located in vast open arenas that could accompany
for more than three thousand spectators/viewers. The stage itself was quite
small, depending on the play in progress, as some actors would find themselves
eventually injuring themselves whilst performing stunts required in the play.
The upper class citizens would be found in the gallery (balcony-like area)
spectating the plays as they were accompanied by other well-dressed blokes.
And to conclude this Blog, here is your weekly fact dosage:
Did you know!
In most of
Elizabeth I’s portraits, she is wearing enormous dresses with puffy sleeves.
Although it wasn't the fashion, she wore them to make her look big and powerful
so that people didn't take advantage of her being a woman.
And…
Women
were not allowed to play and roles in plays, so men always played women’s
parts.
(I dare you to create a
mental image of that! J )
Farewell, fair cruelty.
