How Many Sides Did The Globe Theater Have

The Globe Theatre, a name synonymous with William Shakespeare and the golden age of English theatre, conjures images of bustling crowds, dramatic performances, and a palpable sense of excitement. But beyond the romanticized vision, lies a structure steeped in history and intrigue, prompting questions about its very design – specifically, how many sides did the Globe Theatre actually have?

The answer, surprisingly, isn't as straightforward as one might expect. While often depicted and referred to as a circular building, the Globe Theatre wasn't perfectly round. It was, in fact, a polygon, leading to ongoing debate and attempts at precise reconstruction over the centuries. The key to understanding its shape lies in examining historical records, archaeological evidence, and theatrical conventions of the time. Let's delve into the fascinating details surrounding the Globe Theatre's architecture and attempt to definitively answer the question of its number of sides.

Introduction: More Than Just a Stage

The Globe Theatre wasn't just a building; it was a cultural phenomenon. Constructed in 1599 by the Lord Chamberlain's Men (later the King's Men), Shakespeare's acting company, it quickly became London's most celebrated playhouse. Its open-air design allowed for grand spectacles, attracting a diverse audience ranging from groundlings who stood in the yard for a penny to wealthy patrons who occupied the galleries. The Globe witnessed the premieres of some of Shakespeare's most iconic plays, including Hamlet, Othello, King Lear, and Macbeth, solidifying its place in literary history.

The original Globe Theatre tragically burned down in 1613 during a performance of Henry VIII, when cannon fire used for special effects ignited the thatched roof. It was rebuilt the following year, only to be demolished in 1644 by the Puritans, who viewed theatre as immoral. In 1997, a modern reconstruction, known as Shakespeare's Globe, opened near the original site, offering audiences a glimpse into the experience of attending a play in Elizabethan London. This reconstruction, while based on historical research, is still subject to interpretation and continues to fuel the debate about the precise design of the original Globe.

Unpacking the Shape: Round vs. Polygonal

The persistent image of the Globe as a circular building stems from various sources, including contemporary descriptions that used terms like "round" or "O." However, these descriptions were often poetic and metaphorical rather than strictly architectural. Archaeological evidence uncovered in the late 20th century revealed that the foundations of the Globe were not circular but rather formed a polygon.

Why a polygon instead of a perfect circle? Several factors likely contributed to this design choice:

• Cost and Construction: Constructing a perfectly circular building with the materials and techniques available in the 16th century would have been significantly more expensive and complex. Straight timbers and simpler joinery were more easily obtained and utilized.
• Structural Stability: A polygonal shape offered greater structural stability compared to a circular one, especially for a large, open-air structure. The flat sides provided a more solid foundation and distribution of weight.
• Acoustics: While not definitively proven, some researchers suggest that a polygonal shape might have provided better acoustics compared to a perfect circle, minimizing echoes and enhancing sound projection.
• Existing Models: The Globe was likely modeled after earlier polygonal playhouses, such as the Theatre, which was dismantled and its timbers used to build the Globe. This suggests a continuity of design and a reliance on proven architectural models.

The Evidence: Historical Records and Archaeology

Our understanding of the Globe's shape is primarily based on two main sources: historical records and archaeological excavations.

• Historical Records: Contemporary accounts, playbills, and maps offer glimpses into the Globe's appearance but often lack precise details. The Wenceslaus Hollar engraving of London, published in 1647, provides one of the most well-known visual representations of the Globe, depicting it as a roughly circular building. However, Hollar's engraving is not a perfectly accurate architectural rendering and should be interpreted with caution. Other written accounts describe the Globe as "round" or "circular," but these terms may have been used loosely to convey the general impression rather than a precise geometric shape.
• Archaeological Excavations: The most significant breakthrough in understanding the Globe's shape came with the archaeological excavations conducted in 1989 and 1990 at the site of the Rose Theatre and, subsequently, at the site of the Globe. These excavations revealed portions of the original foundations, confirming that the Globe was indeed a polygon. The limited extent of the excavations, however, made it difficult to determine the exact number of sides.

Reconstructing the Puzzle: How Many Sides?

Based on the available evidence, the consensus among scholars is that the Globe Theatre likely had either 16 or 20 sides.

• The 20-Sided Hypothesis: This is the more widely accepted theory, supported by several lines of reasoning. A 20-sided polygon would approximate a circle more closely than a 16-sided one, aligning with contemporary descriptions that referred to the Globe as "round." Furthermore, a 20-sided structure would allow for a more symmetrical and aesthetically pleasing design, with evenly spaced bays or sections around the perimeter. Structural analysis also suggests that a 20-sided polygon would have provided sufficient stability for the Globe's large, open-air design.
• The 16-Sided Hypothesis: While less popular, the 16-sided theory is still considered plausible by some researchers. The archaeological evidence, while limited, could be interpreted as supporting a 16-sided structure. Proponents of this theory argue that a 16-sided polygon would have been easier and less expensive to construct, and that it would have been structurally sound enough for the Globe's purpose.

Ultimately, the exact number of sides remains a matter of scholarly debate, and it's possible that the truth lies somewhere between these two possibilities. The limited archaeological evidence and the ambiguity of historical records leave room for interpretation and speculation.

The Modern Reconstruction: Shakespeare's Globe

The modern reconstruction of the Globe Theatre, known as Shakespeare's Globe, is based on the 20-sided hypothesis. While the builders incorporated the archaeological findings and historical research into the design, they also had to make certain assumptions and compromises due to the incomplete nature of the evidence. Shakespeare's Globe provides a valuable insight into the experience of attending a play in Elizabethan London, but it's important to remember that it's an interpretation rather than a perfect replica of the original.

The process of reconstructing Shakespeare's Globe involved extensive research into Elizabethan building techniques, materials, and theatrical conventions. The builders used traditional methods and materials whenever possible, such as oak timbers, lime plaster, and thatched roofing. The reconstruction also incorporated features based on historical accounts and illustrations, such as the tiring house (the backstage area), the galleries, and the yard where the groundlings stood.

The Significance of the Shape: Function and Aesthetics

Regardless of whether it had 16 or 20 sides, the polygonal shape of the Globe Theatre played a significant role in its function and aesthetics. The shape allowed for a large, open-air space that could accommodate a diverse audience. The galleries provided tiered seating for wealthier patrons, while the yard offered an affordable option for those who were willing to stand. The polygonal shape also created a sense of intimacy and connection between the actors and the audience, fostering a lively and interactive theatrical experience.

The shape also contributed to the Globe's iconic appearance. The white-washed walls, the thatched roof, and the polygonal structure created a distinctive landmark on the London skyline. The Globe's design reflected the theatrical conventions of the time, as well as the practical considerations of cost, construction, and structural stability.

Beyond the Number: The Enduring Legacy of the Globe

While the exact number of sides of the Globe Theatre may remain a mystery, its legacy as a cultural icon is undeniable. The Globe witnessed the birth of some of the greatest plays in the English language and played a pivotal role in shaping the history of theatre. Its design, whether 16-sided or 20-sided, reflected the ingenuity and resourcefulness of Elizabethan builders and the vibrant theatrical culture of the time.

The modern reconstruction of Shakespeare's Globe has helped to revive interest in Elizabethan theatre and to provide audiences with a tangible connection to the past. The Globe continues to host performances of Shakespeare's plays, as well as contemporary works, and serves as a center for education and research.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

• Q: Was the Globe Theatre round?
  • A: No, the Globe Theatre was not perfectly round. Archaeological evidence suggests it was a polygon, likely with either 16 or 20 sides.
• Q: Why wasn't the Globe Theatre circular?
  • A: A polygonal shape was likely chosen for reasons of cost, construction, structural stability, and acoustics.
• Q: How many sides does the modern reconstruction of the Globe have?
  • A: The modern reconstruction, Shakespeare's Globe, is based on the 20-sided hypothesis.
• Q: Where was the original Globe Theatre located?
  • A: The original Globe Theatre was located in Southwark, London, near the River Thames.
• Q: What happened to the original Globe Theatre?
  • A: The original Globe Theatre burned down in 1613 and was rebuilt in 1614. It was demolished in 1644 by the Puritans.

Conclusion: A Shape That Shaped History

The question of how many sides the Globe Theatre had is a fascinating one, highlighting the challenges of reconstructing the past from limited evidence. While the exact number remains a subject of debate, the consensus among scholars is that the Globe was a polygon, likely with either 16 or 20 sides. This polygonal shape was not merely an architectural quirk but a defining feature that influenced the Globe's function, aesthetics, and enduring legacy.

The Globe Theatre stands as a testament to the power of theatre to inspire, entertain, and connect people across generations. Its shape, whether 16-sided or 20-sided, played a crucial role in shaping the theatrical experience of Elizabethan London and continues to captivate audiences today. How do you imagine the shape of the Globe contributing to the atmosphere of a Shakespearean play? And what does this architectural mystery reveal about the challenges of historical reconstruction?