Globe Theatre Writing Prompt

Globe Theatre

If I had lived in the late sixteenth or early seventeenth century, I would have been in the lower social class, the peasants, as peasants comprised most of European society. Since theatre was one of the most common and appreciated forms of entertainment, I most likely would not have traveled far to see one of Shakespeare’s plays as theatre could be found a lot closer to home and Shakespeare was considered a good playwright but was not particularly recognized until long after his death. Therefore, I would have lived fairly close, particularly in London, the very city in which the Globe Theatre was located. That specific day, I would have gone to see Romeo and Juliet, one of Shakespeare’s most famous works in modern times which was nothing more than another average play and performance at that time. Being a peasant, I would not have had the luxury of nice seats in the theatre, so I would have paid a single penny to stand on the floor of the theatre. However, I would arrive to the performance as early as possible to get seats close to the stage.

Standing near the foot of the stage, I would begin to feel crowded in as more and more peasants would fill the floor of the theatre pushing me in closer and closer to the edge of the stage so that the stage itself would begin to obstruct my view. As I look up, I would see dozens of rows stretching upward filled with men and women dressed in nice clothing, clothing far  better than the mere rags which would have lined my back. People would begin to shout as they grow impatient of waiting for the play to begin. With no more room for anyone on the floor to move and the formal seats lacking any gaps or openings, I would hear and vaguely see the doors of the theatre being closed, those who did not make it in shouting their complaints and muttering phrases of regret as they would be absent from a truly phenomenal performance that evening. At last, Romeo and Juliet would begin, everyone in audience growing silent and waiting in anticipation for the action to commence.  The actors would give a commendable performance as they reenact a play they have performed multiple times thus far. However, this would be my first time seeing this particular work and the anticipation as to the actions of Romeo and Juliet would be more than I could handle. Finally, the conclusion would come and the stunning and ironic deaths of Romeo and Juliet would be revealed to the crowd. As I would leave theatre, everyone would be discussing the events of the play in its aftermath. Well pleased by the events of the evening, I would depart and return to my nearby home in London.