The Seven Theatrical Sideshows of Shakespeare’s Plays!
Recommended for Middle Grades
Shakespeare’s plays used to have only male actors. Even today, hundreds of years later, Shakespeare’s plays are still performed around the world – in theatres, schools and colleges. His works have been translated into many languages too.
His continued popularity is due to many things. His plays are full of action and his characters are all believable. He was clever with words and images. He also expressed how people thought, felt and acted.
Let’s step into the backstage world of Shakespeare’s plays and explore the quirky challenges and hidden talents of his all-male cast!
The Costume Catastrophe!
“We know what we are, but know not what we may be” – Hamlet
Today, it’s common for women to be actors. But during that time, all the roles in Shakespeare’s plays were played by men – even the female roles. Imagine the sight of those actors squeezed into corsets and tripping over long gowns! The costume changes must have been a hilarious whirlwind! Who needs a treadmill when you’re wrestling with those petticoats?
“Ay me, for aught that I could ever read, Could ever hear by tale or history, The course of true love never did run smooth” – A Midsummer Night’s Dream.
The Voice Vault!
“Though she be but little, she is fierce!” – A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Shakespeare’s plays
Male actors taking on the female roles struggled with the inequality that actresses even face today. Actors were paid less for female roles than for male roles. The actors who played female roles were also not taken seriously. Switching from a booming king’s voice to a gentle maiden’s whisper must have been a vocal rollercoaster! One minute you’re rumbling like a dragon, the next you have to sound sweeter than a songbird. Talk about vocal whiplash!
“Her voice was ever soft, gentle, and low, an excellent thing in woman.” – King Lear
The Memory Maze
“What a piece of work is a man!” – Hamlet
However, this may have helped their character development. Struggling against the unequal treatment that women faced helped men to understand women’s problems. It may have also added to the spectacle of some characters. They were mental magicians trying to juggle lines for queens, villains, and everyone in between! Was it ‘To be or not to be’ or ‘Romeo, Romeo, where are you?’ So many lines, so little brain space!
“Lord, what fools these mortals be!” – A Midsummer Night’s Dream
The Backstage Bustle
“Though this be madness, yet there is method in’t.” – Hamlet, Shakespeare’s plays
Shakespeare’s plays also consistently pushed gender and social boundaries. His play Troilus and Cressida was no exception. He used his plays to comment on what was happening in society. Behind the curtains, it was total chaos! Actors raced to change costumes faster than a magician, props flew everywhere, and stagehands dashed around like they were in a race. Faster than a royal feast disappearing, costumes were switched and faces were powdered. It was organized chaos – most of the time!
“All the world’s a stage…”* – As You Like It
The Playful Puppets
“Brevity is the soul of wit” – Hamlet
Shakespeare wrote his plays for all classes of people. But most of his audience was illiterate. They saw his plays as great entertainment. Sometimes, instead of women on stage, you’d see beautiful puppets! Carved from wood, these figures danced and twirled, their tiny painted faces full of expression. When playing a tiny wooden lady, the biggest challenge was remembering NOT to sneeze!
“We are such stuff as dreams are made on…” – The Tempest
The Spotlight Stealers
“And though she be but little, she is fierce!” – A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Shakespeare’s plays
Even though they played women in dresses, these actors were superstars! With their voices and actions, they brought Shakespeare’s amazing female characters to life. Forget about the dress, it was all about the attitude! With a strong voice and a determined gaze, they made you believe they were queens and warriors.
“Give me my Romeo; and, when he shall die, Take him and cut him out in little stars…” – Romeo and Juliet
The Stage for All!
“To thine own self be true.” – Hamlet
Today, the stage welcomes everyone! Actors of all genders get to tell amazing stories and explore incredible characters, just like Shakespeare imagined. Today, anyone can step into the spotlight and bring stories to life. Just like Shakespeare imagined, the power is in the performance!
“One touch of nature makes the whole world kin” – Troilus and Cressida
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