Transcription
Behind me, Shakespeare's Theatre, rebuilt recently, but it was originally constructed in the 17th century. Its name is The Globe, which goes from the expression, "Everyone in the world is an actor."
The conditions at the time when this would have been built were very different from the way actors work now. It was all done during the day because they didn't have enough money to afford candles to put on the place at night. So, it would have been far more interaction between the public and the actors.
In fact, the Groundlings, which were the cheapest seats just under the open cover, they would shout at the actors and throw things at them if they didn't like the play. At the time as well, none of the actors were women because they weren't allowed to be in plays. And also, the church was very critical of theatre. It called it "the nest of the devil," and it was usually just outside the city walls because it wasn't really allowed in those days.
It was seen as something very popular and affordable because, just as I said before, the cheapest seats could be afforded by everyone. So, this is where the Groundlings stand, and to come here, it's only five pounds to see a play. And they say it's one of the best places, even though if it rains, umbrellas aren't allowed, so you're gonna get wet. But they say it would have been the best place as well because the audience participated. So you were right next to the actor's foot, you can see up his nose, and if he spat down at you, as I said, there's no umbrellas allowed. I'm so, it would have been a big problem, but this great participation because the audience can see you, the actors, everybody's involved in the play, which makes kind of a difference from the typical West End play where everybody's in the dark. Here, you felt like you were really part of it.
No, there's a trapdoor in them as well, which is open, a balloon, and you come down from heaven. Avoid it. Does thank you. The Globe Theatre put some faith, maybe by Shakespeare, and they're pretty authentic, even down to the finest details like the original 17th-century underwear. And so far, we're not that comfortable. And nowadays, we go and see a play, but back then, the most important thing was the acoustics. It was more important that you heard the play. And so, wherever you stash, the more expensive seats were the ones that had the best sound.
The stage represents three different elements. The top, with the zodiac signs, it's painted blue, represents heaven or the sky. There's even a trapdoor you can go, come down from. And the stage itself represents the earth, and was a trapdoor to go underneath, which represents hell. This round shape kind of increases the sense of participation.
The building itself, though, it was hard to get permission for it because, remember, in the 17th century, it had burned down twice. So, to make this thatch kind of roof after the Great Fire of London was pretty tough to do. Took them eight years to get permission, but they finally managed to go ahead with it.
"Shall I compare thee to a summer's day?" Another piece of summer's day in London.