Elizabethan Elizabethan TheatreTheatre

Mrs. Leach

Elements of DramaElements of Drama

Plays have two kinds of writing:

Dialogue

Stage Directions

DialogueDialogueAny spoken lines by the actor. It is through dialogue that a story is able to be told.

In addition, asides, monologues, and soliloquys are used to communicate with the audience.

What is a Soliloquy?What is a Soliloquy?A soliloquy is a device often

used in drama whereby a character relates his or her thoughts and feelings to him/herself and no one is supposed to hear.[1]

Romeo’s Soliloquy-Act 2 Scene 2He jests at scars that never felt a wound.But, soft! what light through yonder window breaks?It is the east, and Juliet is the sun.Arise, fair sun, and kill the envious moon,Who is already sick and pale with grief,That thou her maid art far more fair than she:Be not her maid, since she is envious;Her vestal livery is but sick and greenAnd none but fools do wear it; cast it off.It is my lady, O, it is my love!

Monologue and AsideMonologue and AsideA monologue: is when the

character may be speaking his or her thoughts aloud, directly addressing another character. It is meant to be heard by others.

An Incredible MonologueAn Incredible Monologue

AsideAsideAn aside is a dramatic device in which a character speaks to the audience but the characters on stage can’t hear it. It usually represents an unspoken thought.

Aside (continued)Aside (continued)An aside is usually a brief comment,

rather than a speech, such as a monologue or soliloquy. Unlike a public announcement, it occurs within the context of the play.

An aside is, by convention, a true statement of a character's thought; a character may be mistaken in an aside, but may not be dishonest.

Stage directionsStage directionsInstructions, about the setting

costumes, lighting, scenery, and props used onstage. Stage directions are printed in italics and sometimes in parentheses.

Kinds of DramaKinds of DramaTragedy- ends in the downfall or death

of a protagonist. May include comic relief.

Comedy- show ordinary people in conflict with society. These usually arise from misunderstandings, deceptions, disapproving with authority figures, and mistaken identity. They are always resolved happily!

The Elizabethan TheaterThe Elizabethan TheaterDuring the reign of Elizabeth I

theaters were built as standing structures. Before this roaming theater companies went from town to town.

In 1599, Shakespeare’s In 1599, Shakespeare’s company built its own company built its own theatre: The Globetheatre: The Globe

Online virtual visuals Online virtual visuals of New Globeof New Globe

http://www.shakespeares-globe.org/virtual-pictures/

People Never Change!People Never Change!William Shakespeare wrote for

the same audience that moviemakers write for today. Rich and poor, smart and not-so-smart, sentimentalists, action-lovers, and comedy fans--- all crowded into the Globe theater to watch Shakespeare’s plays.

Actor Actor andand Playwright Playwright

Shakespeare was also an actor. Tradition holds that he performed the Ghost in Hamlet and the French King in Henry V.

Did he make any money Did he make any money doing this?doing this?Shakespeare made a

considerable amount of money as a playwright, householder, and actor. He bought New Place in Stratford perhaps as early as 1597.

Shakespeare’s RetirementShakespeare’s Retirementand Deathand Death

We are not sure exactly when Shakespeare left London and retired from the stage, but probably sometime around 1612 or 1613.

He was probably still collaborating with younger playwrights, such as John Fletcher, who replaced him as the leading playwright for the King’s Men.

Shakespeare died on his birthday, 23 April, 1616

Good friend, for Jesus' sake forbear To dig the dust enclosèd here. Blessed be the man that spares these stones, And cursed be he that moves my bones.

Shakespeare’s Headstone