These days most "theater go'ers" would pay one hundred dollars to see an exceptional
performance of Romeo and Juliet , but as we go back to the year 1599, people crowded
the doors of The Globe to pay a penny or less to see plays done by Shakespeare and many
others. The Globe not only played (no pun intended) as a stage for blossoming actors, but
also served as the stage for many well known playwrights and gave them the atmosphere
and audience they needed to succeed. It also allowed for all types of classes and people to view the plays and had an adverse affect on society, both positivly and negaitvly.
The first Globe was built in 1598, by Richard Burbage and his associates. Its
location in Southwark, London, provided some what of a central spot for spectators that
came from all over to see productions by the many English writers. The Globe was built of
remaining timbers from The Theatre, the first public theater in London. The Theatre was
built in 1576 by James Burbage(Hodges). After The Globe was built, Julius Caesar was the
first recorded play performed at the new facility. This Globe, known as the "wooden O"
by the famous William Shakespeare was burnt to the ground in 1613, during a
performance of Henry VIII . It was soon rebuilt on the same foundation in
1614, but again tragedy struck when Puritans closed the second Globe about thirty years
later in 1642. This was also the year the Puritans closed all the other public
playhouses in London. In 1644 The Globe was destroyed and the foundations were buried
Many famous plays were performed by innumerable actors at The Globe in all the
years it was opened. One of the most well known actor and playwright to come out of
The Globe, was William Shakespeare. In 1592, Shakespeare formed a reputation for his
poetry and sonnets, when his narrative poems, Venus and Adonis were both published.
Most people today, thoug...