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MonkeyNotes-The Comedy of Errors by William Shakespeare
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HISTORICAL BACKGROUND
The Elizabethan Stage
Drama was the prime means of public entertainment during
Shakespeare's time. Traveling actors went around the country and
were hired by those who wanted their services. In larger cities,
such as London, permanent acting groups were formed and
attached to a single theater, such as the "Globe", the "Curtain", or
the "Fortune". Shakespeare's company owned the "Globe", which
was an open-air theater. Since there were no artificial lights, plays
were staged in the afternoon. The stage jutted out into the
audience, and the "grounding" stood nearby to watch the action.
Other spectators paid higher prices to sit in the galleries and watch
the play.
There were three openings at the back of the stage, one in the
center and one on each side; a thick curtain hid the openings. The
stage-floor also had one or more trap doors, useful for the speedy
disappearance or re-appearance of characters, especially ghosts.
Above the stage was a balcony, usually used for love Scenes.
There was no stage scenery although props were widely used.
Black stage hangings were used to set the mood for tragic plays,
and colorful curtains were used for comedies. Actors on the
Shakespearean stage were often youths. Boys with high-pitched
voices were trained to play women's parts, since females were not
allowed on the stage.
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