Intro+to+Shakespeare

A Day in London

Age: 20

Name: Nathaniel

Gender: male

Marital status: unmarried

Occupation: Artist

Income: Commission from the Royalty (subject to change)

Where in London do you live? Surrey

How much education did you receive? 12 years

What were you taught? Reading, writing and arithmetic, before studying the arts at Oxford

What is your religion? He is a Protestant

How has your religion affected your life in terms of how you are treated by people in power? His religion is widely accepted as the state religion, so he is in favour with the royalty

What play do you go to see? How did you know it was playing? Henry V; because at the last play there was a flag announcing the next play

What other Shakespeare plays might you have been able to see? Henry ii, Much Ado About Nothing, maybe Julius Caesar?

What play by Shakespeare was your favourite until now? None, he hated the last play but is interested in Henry's history.

What actor in the company is your favourite actor? William Kempe

How are you dressed when you attend the play? He is in dressed in silken doublet with separate, slashed sleeves, satin breeches, a leather belt and a fur-lined cloak with ruff.

Describe some of the costumes the actors wear: Colourful, almost gaudy costumes with a style of dress that does not usually reflect the character.

You are planning to go to a ball (fancy dance party) after the play. How will you dress for that? He plans to dress the same for both the theatre and the ball, as it is unlikely he will be seen at the theatre

What did you dine on before going to the theatre?

When did you eat? At around 1:00

What did you drink? Fine wine with an omelette and sausage; no vegetables whatsoever

How much did it cost? He ate at home, so there was no cost involved

How much did you pay for your ticket? Nothing, his “ sponsor” paid for it

Where did you sit? One of the balconies, looking down on the crowd

A number of your friends chose to spend the afternoon seeing another kind of entertainment. What was it? Watching a beggar drown rats in a river and eat them

Who was the most important person you recognized in the audience? The queen

Who ruled England at the time? Queen Elizabeth

What was some gossip about the ruler? Not that he knows of…

Who was the Lord Mayor of London at the time? Sir Nicholas Mosley

What is the last book you read? The script for Romeo and Juliet, so he could have a sense of what he might be seeing.

Journal Entry

6:00 AM:

Well, it just happens to be a busy day, so I better get started. The lord mayor wants me to visit him for a chat about the new portrait he commissioned. Apparently he wants me to see something of his too; I wonder what it could be…

7:00 AM:

Okay, so I am looking my best (or least trying to) for the mayor’s party. At least I think it is a party, for his messenger was quite ecstatic about the “official summons” he was supposed to give me. London is so dusty; I’ve had my apparel washed twice already in such a short stay. Still, this place does have its perks: for instance, the Globe Theatre! Who would think that inside the rather dull-looking structure that some of the most imaginative plays are performed? Anyway, I’ve got to go. Francis and his rabble are here, and it’s unwise to keep them for too long inside my freshly scrubbed living space.

12: PM:

The party was excellent! His righteousness the lord mayor served his best foods food for a feast of snacks and fine drinks, while we the guests conversed about art, religion and this so-called master playwright William Shakespeare. We must have talked bout the host’s surprise, for no sooner had we finished did he send us away with the invitation of joining him for a special event in the afternoon. I might as well return for a spot of lunch; and check on that scoundrel Francis…

3:00 PM:

After my favourite omelette and sausage midday meal, I was ready to view what the mayor had in plan. Seems we were going to watch Shakespeare’s new play, Henry V at the globe theatre. Now I wasn’t a big fan of the eccentric playwright, but it sure doesn’t help to anger my host! Surprisingly, the play was much more interesting than any other ones I’ve seen to date, but maybe that was because I got a high seat instead of cramming into a pit. To make thing even better, my host decided to invite us to his private ball this evening (he’s just trying to get more popularity). Ah well, I probably should get ready now; and I have no idea what Francis is up to, so it’s back home (if he hasn’t accidentally burned it to the ground).

5:00 PM:

Can you imagine it? Francis was with beggars the whole afternoon! Actually, he was watching a group of them drowning and eating rats by the Thames. Speaking of which, I saw one untidy fellow myself hiding in the theatre’s shadows. Seems it is not only educated people who like Shakespeare! Should be leaving for the ball about now, but I’m not so sure if these slashed silks make me look dignified or like a multicoloured cactus. See you in the morning…