Globe Theatre Special Effects
Interesting information about
the Globe Theatre Special Effects during the life and times of William Shakespeare and Elizabethan London, England
Globe Theatre Special Effects
The Globe Theatre is not
usually associated with the use of Special Effects. However many
Globe Theatre Props
and Special effects were used to enhance the dramatic and
visual effects of the plays performed at the Globe Theatre.
The Globe Theatre was new and competition was fierce. The
better the plays and the more dramatic the special effects
resulted in bigger audiences and greater profits. The
Elizabethan audience must have looked at the brightly
decorated Globe Theatre in awe - but the special effects
would have held a far greater impact. So what special
effects were created for the performances and plays written
by the likes of William Shakespeare?
The Globe Theatre was built to
include provision for Special Effects - Trapdoors
The Globe Theatre was
designed to include some provisions to produce special effects.
Trapdoors were built in the floor of the stage (called Hell) and in the
stage ceiling (the Heavens). The height of the stage was five feet - so
the area beneath the stage was easily big enough to hold both actors and
props. This area underneath the stage was given the title "Hell".
Some props or special effects could therefore be 'entranced' or 'exited'
via the trap doors. Actors could appear or disappear via the stage
trapdoors. The ghost of Hamlet could miraculously be made to appear or
disappear. The Globe Theatre Heavens was the name given for the false
ceiling over the stage. The false ceiling was also designed with trap
doors. Through the Heavens trap doors Globe Theatre actors, attached by
a harness with wires or ropes, could make flying entrances on to the
stage and props could be lowered on to the stage. The effect of this on
the audience must have been very exciting, leaving a lasting and
dramatic impact.
List of Globe Theatre Special
Effects
Globe Theatre special
effects
would have been produced using some of the following items:
-
Cannon
-
Trapdoors
-
Wires, ropes and
harnesses
-
Fireworks
-
Flowers and
petals
-
Music
-
Live Animals
-
Bones,
intestines and blood of dead animals
Bloody Globe Theatre Special
Effects
Bloody special effects
were used to excite and astound the audience. The simplest would be a
handkerchief soaked in blood. Bloody special effects could also be
produced to mimic wounds and injuries. Titus Andronicus was one of the
most violent of the plays by William Shakespeare. The blood thirsty
drama of Titus Andronicus is a sordid tale of revenge and political
turmoil, overflowing with bloodshed and unthinkable brutality including
countless murders, rape, terrible acts of mutilation and threats of
human sacrifice ( who said Shakespeare was dull?). Bloody Special
effects could be used such as turntable using a blood soaked dummy to be
substituted for an actor. Animal intestines, tongues and bones could be
used to enhance the effects. Bladders filled with the blood of animals
such as sheep or bulls were concealed beneath the actor's costumes which
could be pierced by the points of daggers or swords used in stage
fights, or just a thump to the chest could produce a gruesome death
scene.
Globe Theatre Special Effects - the Canon
Canons were included in
the
Globe Theatre Special Effects.
The cannon was
situated inside the roof, in the attic above the "Heavens". The cannon
was used to create a dramatic special effect such as heralding great
entrances especially in the plays by William Shakespeare which were about an event in history.
The cannon was loaded with gunpowder and wadding providing the
opportunity to recreate the sounds of the battlefield. This particular
Globe Theatre special effect eventually led to the fire of 1613 which led to the total
destruction of the Globe Theatre within just two hours.
Globe Theatre Special Effects -
live animals
Some of the plays of
William Shakespeare call for the entrance of live animals, such as a dog
or a bear. There are no records confirming that such animals were
actually used - but it seems logical that any such special effects using
live animals would have been at least tried!
Globe Theatre Special Effects -
the Music
Different sounds were used
to create special effects. The most obvious sound effect was music.
Musicians were employed to enhance the overall theatre experience.
One of the balconies above the stage housed the musicians. Elizabethan
composers were commissioned to write music and songs to accompany the
works of playwrights such as William Shakespeare. The most famous Globe
Theatre composer was
Robert
Johnson ( 1582-1633 ).
Robert Johnson
composed 'Full fathom five' and 'Where the Bee
Sucks' which were written for 'The Tempest' by
William Shakespeare.
Other Sound Effects
Other sounds were used to
create special sound effects. Fireworks were used to imitate the sounds
of the battlefield. Unusual sound effects could be made from 'Hell'
including different sounds using various musical instruments such as the
trumpet, chimes, bells or drums. Actors skilled in imitating the baying
of hounds and crowing of roosters or the wailing of ghostly sounds would
also be waiting in 'Hell' to create such sound effects. A metal sheet or
a rolling cannonball were used for creating the sound of thunder.
Globe Theatre Special Effects
Interesting Facts and information
about the Globe Theatre Special Effects.
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Globe Theatre can be accessed via the Globe Theatre Sitemap.
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