Comparing the Shakespearean theatre experience with modern theatre
I can understand and compare attitudes towards the theatre.
Comparing the Shakespearean theatre experience with modern theatre
I can understand and compare attitudes towards the theatre.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Shakespeare’s plays were performed at the Globe, which was and still is playing, at the South Bank in London
- The South Bank was full of improper activities, such as animal fighting, drinking and the theatre
- Some people, particularly Puritans, thought the theatre was immoral
- Going to the Globe in Shakespeare’s time would have been a noisy, riotous affair
- Going to the theatre now is different because the audience is much more polite and quiet
Keywords
Theatre - A theatre is a building where people can watch a performance or other kind of entertainment.
Improper - Improper means something unsuitable or socially unacceptable.
Riotous - Something riotous is something very loud and uncontrolled, and full of energy.
Puritan - A puritan is a person who is strict in moral or religious matters, often excessively so.
Immoral - Something immoral is something outside of society's standards of acceptable, honest, and moral behaviour.
Common misconception
That the modern experience of going to the theatre is the same as in Shakespearean times.
The experience was very different - the modern theatre experience is quiet and respectful while the Shakespearean experience was riotous.
Content guidance
- Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
- Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
Lesson video
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