Topic: Shakespeare's Audience

10-second review: Students take a virtual seat in the Globe Theatre in one of three locations: The Pit for the “groundlings”; the Gallery for the educated members of the Middle Class; the Balcony reserved for nobles and royalty. Makes the point that Shakespeare appealed to all classes in the England of his time.

Title: “Virtual Seating in the Globe Theatre: Appreciating Film Adaptations of Shakespeare’s plays.” L Williamson. English Journal (September 2009), 71 -73. The secondary school journal of the National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE).

Summary: The Pit. Groundlings appreciate the special effects and watch for scenes of violence, gore, sex and dirty jokes.

The Gallery: Middle class educated appreciate intricacies of the plot and watch for puns, riddles, ironies and double entendre.

The Balcony: Appreciate political intrigue, foibles of the rich and powerful. and pay close attention to the king’s place in the Great Chain of Being.

After seeing each segment of the play on film, students write from the perspective they have chosen at the Globe in a journal, which is graded for consistent point of view, detailed references to the film and commentary on the director’s interpretation.

Comment: Makes the point about Shakespeare’s appeal to a diverse population. RayS.