Elizabethan Times and the Theatre

1.1 The Elizabethan Era

The Elizabethan era took place from 1558 - 1603, which was the reign of Queen Elizabeth I. "The Elizabethan era was the era that saw the reign of Queen Elizabeth I" is another way to put it. Yes, as you have gathered from those statements, Queen Elizabeth ruled England during this era, so, as times have changed, the Elizabethan era was extremely different to life now, especially in England.

The main aspects of the Elizabethan era that are reflected on nowadays are the following:

• Recreation
• Occupation
• Typical school days

First things first, recreation. Nowadays, to pass time we usually turn to the Internet. As you may have already guessed, the Internet, let alone computers were not around during this era. How they survived, you ask, is as follows:

• Backgammon  (not the haram kind, the board game kind) 

  

  A backgammon board

  
  

   

Board (more like bored) games were mighty popular back in ye old times. Backgammon being a popular, well-liked game was one that was played often. Tennis (finally a more modern choice) was also a favoured sport played in Elizabethan times.




 Now, let's move on to occupation. Due to the lack of computers

during the 16th century, there was no such thing as an "office job" or "computer engineer" for example,  more common jobs were the likes of tailors, blacksmiths and apothecaries. Some other occupations were:

• Armourer (who created personal armour)
• Bowyer (who made bows for bow and arrows)
• Barber Surgeon (a popular medical practicioner)

Finally, school. Fun. A typical school day during the Elizabethan era consisted of a time table much different to ours today. The following image is an outline of a typical school day during the 16th century.

Not only were the subjects extremely different, but also the timings. Can you imagine a 10 hour school day? I guess it's not that bad if it starts with dancing and includes breakfast...

More info on the Elizabethan era from this YouTube video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ke6QXzhYH8g

    1.2 The Theatre

The first Elizabethan amphitheater was built by James Burbage in 1576. This was known as "The Theatre" and was among 12 other amphitheaters built around London, which included the Globe Theatre. Elizabethan theaters were either circular or octagonal, and had between 8 to 24 sides. It is often referred to as the 'theatre in the round' because the stage is at the centre and the audience sits on all sides around the theatre. If you ever visit London, you can go to the Globe and experience a performance much like it was during the Elizabethan Era. Here are some further facts about theaters in the 16th century:

• The audience capacity ranged from 1500 - 3000
• There was no heating in the theaters. Plays were performed in summertime and transferred to indoor venues during the winter
• No toilet facilities were built inside the theatre (nothing better than having to go outside to use the bathroom, especially in those delightful winter months...)
• Music was an extra effect, added in the 1600's
• The average number of cast members in a Shakespearean comedy was 18, just about half as many as the 35 cast members in a history; the tragedies were in between with 27 cast members.

For more facts and figures, check out this website: http://www.elizabethan-era.org.uk/the-theatre.htm