Elizabethan theatre can seem stricter than contemporary and Greek. This was shown by London authorities refusing performance of plays in the city, which led to theatres opening outside the authority of the city. The first theatre was built in Shoreditch, in 1576. Before this era, plays were performed in courtyards and houses of the rich. However 'noblemen' had to act carefully about their choice of performance; anything which was seen as controversial or political could get you in trouble with royalty (the crown). In the late 1500s and early 1600s, open air playhouses opened in the London area. A famous playhouse which is still around today, but has been reconstructed since first being built is, The Globe. The theatres could hold thousands of people, most of these people would stand in the open pit before the stage, whilst the rich would watch the play on the side of the stage, in chairs. Performances were held in the afternoon, as there was obviously no artificial lighting. Women attended the theatre, however those who were more prestige would disguise themselves with a mask. Although the gender could attend the plays, they were not permitted to perform/act in them. Instead, young boys played the female roles.
Differences/Similarities:
- Current theatre - we can hold performances at night because we have artificial lighting/special effects.
- Greek theatre - weren't afraid of the controversial plays, in fact they were celebrated.
- Greek theatre - did not permit female performers either.
- Current theatre - celebrate females in theatre.
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