Introduction to Shakespeare and Romeo and Juliet

Shakespeare’s LifeShakespeare’s Life Born the third of eight children around April Born the third of eight children around April

23, 1564 in Stratford-Upon-Avon in England23, 1564 in Stratford-Upon-Avon in England Married Anne Hathaway at age eighteen.Married Anne Hathaway at age eighteen. Moved to London, leaving his family, after the Moved to London, leaving his family, after the

birth of their second and third child (twins)birth of their second and third child (twins) Became a member of a theatrical company Became a member of a theatrical company

called Lord Chamberlain’s Men (which later called Lord Chamberlain’s Men (which later became The King’s Men) in 1594became The King’s Men) in 1594

Stayed with the company until 1612, when he Stayed with the company until 1612, when he returned to Stratford and his familyreturned to Stratford and his family

Died on April 23, 1616 at the age of fifty-twoDied on April 23, 1616 at the age of fifty-two

Shakespeare’s WorkShakespeare’s Work

He wrote thirty-seven plays, He wrote thirty-seven plays, including classics like Julius Caesar, including classics like Julius Caesar, Hamlet, Othello, King Lear, Macbeth, Hamlet, Othello, King Lear, Macbeth, and Romeo and Juliet.and Romeo and Juliet.

He wrote 150 sonnets He wrote 150 sonnets

The Globe TheaterThe Globe Theater

Built in 1598-1599 in LondonBuilt in 1598-1599 in London Original Structure burned down in 1613 Original Structure burned down in 1613

and was re-built in 1614and was re-built in 1614 The Globe had no lighting,The Globe had no lighting,Plays were performed duringPlays were performed during the daythe day The theater held 2,000-3,000The theater held 2,000-3,000 people at a timepeople at a time The Globe shut down forever in 1642 and The Globe shut down forever in 1642 and

was demolished in 1644. was demolished in 1644.

The New Globe TheaterThe New Globe Theater

In 1987, crews began building a new In 1987, crews began building a new Globe Theater with the same design Globe Theater with the same design and materials as the originaland materials as the original

Introduction to Romeo and Introduction to Romeo and JulietJuliet

Romeo and Juliet is one of Romeo and Juliet is one of Shakespeare’s best known works, Shakespeare’s best known works, which has spawned hundreds of which has spawned hundreds of adaptations in the four hundred adaptations in the four hundred years since it was first written.years since it was first written.

It is the tragic story of the doomed It is the tragic story of the doomed love affair between two teenagers love affair between two teenagers from 2 feuding Italian familiesfrom 2 feuding Italian families

Adaptations of Romeo and Adaptations of Romeo and JulietJuliet

More than any otherMore than any other Shakespeare play, RomeoShakespeare play, Romeo and Juliet has captured and Juliet has captured the hearts and imaginationsthe hearts and imaginations of generations of people of generations of people spawning hundreds of spawning hundreds of adaptationsadaptations Here are images from Here are images from a few adaptations a few adaptations of the playof the play

Cast of CharactersCast of Characters:The Montagues:The Montagues

Lord Montague-Romeo’s FatherLord Montague-Romeo’s FatherLady Montague-Romeo’s MotherLady Montague-Romeo’s MotherRomeo-son of MontagueRomeo-son of MontagueBenvolio-Romeo’s cousin and friendBenvolio-Romeo’s cousin and friendBalthasar-Romeo’s servantBalthasar-Romeo’s servantAbram-Lord Montague’s servantAbram-Lord Montague’s servant

The CapuletsThe Capulets

Lord Capulet-Juliet’s FatherLord Capulet-Juliet’s FatherLady Capulet-Juliet’s MotherLady Capulet-Juliet’s MotherTybalt-Juliet’s cousin on her mother’s sideTybalt-Juliet’s cousin on her mother’s sideNurse-Juliet’s nursemaidNurse-Juliet’s nursemaidPeter-Nurse’s servantPeter-Nurse’s servantSampson-Capulet servantSampson-Capulet servantGregory-Capulet servantGregory-Capulet servantOld Man-senior member of Capulet FamilyOld Man-senior member of Capulet Family

Other CharactersOther Characters Prince Escalus-ruler of VeronaPrince Escalus-ruler of Verona Mercutio-relative of the prince and Romeo’s best Mercutio-relative of the prince and Romeo’s best

friendfriend Friar Lawrence-Franciscan PriestFriar Lawrence-Franciscan Priest Friar John-another Franciscan PriestFriar John-another Franciscan Priest Count Paris-young nobleman, relative of the princeCount Paris-young nobleman, relative of the prince Apothecary-DruggistApothecary-Druggist Page-Paris’ servantPage-Paris’ servant Chief WatchmanChief Watchman Three MusiciansThree Musicians An OfficerAn Officer Citizens of VeronaCitizens of Verona Scene: Verona and Mantua, cities in Northern ItalyScene: Verona and Mantua, cities in Northern Italy