Shakespeare’s World: Globe Theatre, Elizabethan Life & King of Shadows
The Elizabethan Era (1564-1616)
The Globe Theatre: Structure and Features
The Globe Theatre was a pivotal venue for Shakespearean performances. Key parts included:
- Stage: The main performance area where actors performed.
- Pit (Yard): An area where commoners, known as “groundlings,” stood to watch the plays.
- Balcony: Seated areas for wealthier audience members.
- Tiring House: Located behind the stage, this was where actors would change costumes and rest.
- Heavens: A painted canopy above the stage that symbolized the sky, often decorated with celestial imagery.
- Trap Door: Used for special effects, such as ghosts or creatures emerging from below the stage.
- Flag: Hung above the theatre to indicate the type of play being performed:
- Red: History play
- White: Comedy
- Black: Tragedy
Audience Experience in Shakespeare’s Time
In Shakespeare’s era, the audience was far more lively and interactive than today. Spectators often shouted, cheered, and commented during the play while eating and drinking. Groundlings, who stood in the yard, were particularly noisy and might even throw food if they disliked a performance. People came and went freely, requiring actors to speak loudly and use grand gestures to maintain attention. The atmosphere was vibrant and engaging.
The Status of Actors in Elizabethan Society
Acting was a risky profession and often looked down upon by many, though the most talented actors could achieve stardom. Actors generally held a low social status, with the profession frequently viewed as disreputable and sometimes associated with criminal activity. Women were strictly prohibited from acting, so all female roles were performed by men. Despite the social stigma, actors in Shakespeare’s company, such as The Lord Chamberlain’s Men, became quite famous.
William Shakespeare: Playwright, Actor, and Owner
William Shakespeare fulfilled multiple roles in the Elizabethan theatre world:
- Playwright: He authored numerous renowned plays, including Hamlet and Romeo and Juliet.
- Actor: He performed with prominent theatre companies, notably The Lord Chamberlain’s Men.
- Part-Owner: He was a part-owner of the Globe Theatre, actively involved in its business management.
Shakespeare’s Play Genres and Examples
Shakespeare’s extensive body of work is typically categorized into three main genres:
- Tragedies:
- These plays focused on tragic flaws, serious themes, and often ended in the downfall of the protagonist. Examples include Romeo and Juliet, Hamlet, Macbeth, and King Lear.
- Comedies:
- Lighthearted and often involving mistaken identities, romantic misunderstandings, or witty dialogue. Examples include A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Twelfth Night, and As You Like It.
- Histories:
- Plays based on historical figures and events, primarily focusing on English kings and their reigns. Examples include Richard III, Henry V, and Henry IV.
King of Shadows: The Company of Boys
At the beginning of King of Shadows, a theatrical group known as the Company of Boys is formed. This ensemble brings together talented young male actors, including the protagonist Nat Field, to perform Shakespeare’s plays at the newly rebuilt Globe Theatre. Their primary objective is to authentically recreate an Elizabethan performance, with all roles played by boys, just as in Shakespeare’s original time. The project receives support through sponsorships and donations from various arts organizations and private patrons.
Nat Field: Protagonist of King of Shadows
Nat Field, the central character of King of Shadows, is a young actor burdened by a tragic past. He lost his mother to cancer as a child, and his father, devastated by her death, later took his own life. This profound personal loss leaves Nat feeling isolated and emotionally scarred. Despite his grief, Nat channels his pain into acting, finding solace and purpose on the stage. His remarkable talent leads him to join the Company of Boys, but his sorrow frequently haunts him, influencing his actions and relationships throughout the story.
Nat’s Secret Identity in Shakespeare’s Era
When modern Nat is mysteriously transported to Shakespeare’s time, his true identity remains a secret for several compelling reasons. Firstly, he bears an almost identical resemblance to the Nat from the past, allowing him to blend in seamlessly. Secondly, his extensive knowledge of Shakespeare’s world, cultivated through his deep love for the plays, helps him navigate the era without arousing suspicion. The people around him, particularly the other actors, are too engrossed in their performances to question his behavior. Furthermore, Nat’s own emotional transformation enables him to fully embrace his new life, making it easier for him to adapt and remain undetected.
Shakespeare and Nat: A Mentor-Mentee Bond
In King of Shadows, Shakespeare and Nat develop a profound mentor-mentee relationship. Initially, Nat holds Shakespeare in awe, recognizing him as a genius. Shakespeare, in turn, quickly discerns Nat’s talent and takes him under his wing. Shakespeare offers guidance not only in acting but also in navigating personal struggles, effectively becoming a father figure to Nat. Over time, their bond strengthens, with Shakespeare providing crucial emotional support and encouragement, helping Nat gain confidence and find his own voice both on and off the stage.
The Healing Time Swap in King of Shadows
The conclusion of King of Shadows reveals that the time swap between the two Nats was orchestrated to facilitate healing for both boys. Shakespeare plays a pivotal role in guiding this exchange, as modern Nat’s grief mirrors the struggles of the young Nat from the past, who was emotionally adrift after losing his father. The swap allows modern Nat to confront his own pain and achieve closure, while simultaneously helping young Nat regain his strength and confidence. By performing together at the Globe Theatre, both boys experience emotional healing, and the experience enables them to fulfill their respective destinies. This exchange was essential for their personal growth.