The Globe Theater was a theater in London associated with William Shakespeare. Most of Shakespeare’s plays were performed there with a live audience, along with actors consisting of only men. The theater was built in 1599 by Shakespeare’s playing company, the Lord Chamberlain’s Men. The theater carries huge significance as it was the place where all of Shakespeare’s plays were performed. It was built during the English Renaissance, a time when theater and the arts flourished. The creation of the Globe was essential to the development of architecture and transformed literature and theatrical performances.

Layout of the Theater:

The Globe’s actual dimensions are unknown, but its shape and size can be approximated from “scholarly inquiry” over the last two centuries. “The evidence suggests that it was a three-story, open-air amphitheater approximately 100 feet in diameter that could house up to 3,000 spectators.”

At the base of the stage was an area called the pit where, for a penny, people (the “groundlings”) would stand on the “rush-strewn earthen floor” to watch the performance.

Surrounding the stage, were three levels of seats which were more expensive than the pit. The stage (also known as an apron stage) was a rectangular platform and was located in the center of the theater. There was a trap door on this stage which was used by performers to enter from the “cellarage” area beneath the stage. The balcony housed the musicians and could also be used for scenes, such as the balcony scene in Romeo and Juliet.

Who would be in the audience?

Almost everyone in London would come to see Shakespeare’s plays. Wealthier people were also in the crowd. In 1607, the “Venetian ambassador bought all the most expensive seats for a performance of Shakespeare’s Pericles.” Even royalty loved watching the play.

How much did it cost?

The cheapest price was only 1 penny which was a place among the ‘groundlings.’ For another penny, you could have a bench seat in the lower galleries which surrounded the yard. Or for a penny or so more, you could sit more comfortably on a cushion. The most expensive seats would have been in the ‘Lord’s Rooms’.

How did the audience behave?

Some of the audience went to the theater to be seen and admired, dressed in their best clothes. But these people were not necessarily well behaved. Most didn’t sit and watch in silence like today.

Why is the Globe theater significant?

The Globe theater was where all of Shakespeare’s plays were performed. The Globe theater was extremely popular because not only were Shakespeare’s plays so popular, but the experience of watching the plays was unique. The plays resonated with the audience deeply, and the acting was a source of entertainment for the people in London. The Globe theater was architecturally complex in design, and the layout was also another reason why it attracted the audience.

https://www.britannica.com/topic/Globe-Theatre

https://www.timeout.com/london/theatre/20-things-you-probably-didnt-know-about-shakespeares-globe

https://www.historyextra.com/period/elizabethan/globe-theatre-facts-history-london-shakespeare-william/

“The Lion King” is quite noticeably similar to Macbeth. Both share striking resemblances in the plot, characters, and the themes. Although influenced by Shakespeare’s play, Hamlet, “The Lion King” has many similarities with Macbeth.

Theme & Plot –

A common, recurring theme found in both Macbeth and Lion King is the notion of good and evil. 

Macbeth is “consumed by ambition and spurred to action by his wife,” which results in him murdering King Duncan in order to earn the Scottish throne for himself. He is then “wracked with guilt and paranoia.” This depicts the idea of good and evil, and how ambition and continuous persuasion can lead one to evil. Macbeth was once loyal to King Duncan, however, the thirst and greed for power forced him into doing “evil.”

In the “Lion King,” Scar plots to kill Mufasa in order to take over the throne. Scar desires authority, and this need for authority and power leads to “evil.”

In both cases, the plot and theme remains the same. It presents the desire of power/authority which leads to evil. In their cases, it leads to murder. This theme of good and evil is prevalent throughout both The Lion King and Macbeth. 

Characters –

The characters in both Macbeth and The Lion King are quite similar. They share the same motives, characteristics, and desires. 

Macbeth and Scar both wanted to be the King and committed “evil” in order to achieve it. However, both characters weren’t always “evil”, in fact they were generous, hardworking and loyal. Macbeth was a courageous Scottish general who was not naturally inclined to commit evil deeds, yet he deeply desired power and advancement. In both cases, the desire for power led to murder.

Simba and Malcolm are both similar. They are the son of the kings and both took the throne from the person/animal who killed their father. Both characters desired to gather support to overthrow the tyrant who usurped their father’s rule. Simba and Malcolm are both characterized as dutiful and prudent.

Mufasa and Duncan are quite similar. Both were Kings who had died from another’s greed, ambition, and selfishness. Both characters were humble, virtuous, and well-respected rulers.

Summary –

From Macbeth’s and Scar’s rise, fall, and destruction, a clear idea develops: 

• The corrupting power of unchecked ambition is destructive. It leads to the destruction of self and others.

• The conflict between good and evil, and the conflict between loyalty and treachery can cause inner destruction. (Macbeth was once loyal to King Duncan and Scar was once loyal to Mufasa. However, “evil” intentions lead to treachery.)
  

Links for reference:

https://cdn2.rsc.org.uk/sitefinity/education-pdfs/themes-resources/edu-macbeth-themes.pdf?sfvrsn=4

http://www.shakespeare-online.com/plays/macbeth/themesmacbeth.html