Download level 3 - The Performers

LEVEL 3
Activity A
Read & Answer. The Globe Theatre has
been linked with Shakespeare since is very
beginning. Read the following information
and answer the questions below.
THE GLOBE THEATRE
The first Globe Theatre was built in Southwark, London, in 1599 with the wood
from an old theatre. It was built as a large, round, open air theatre with three stories
of seating that were able to hold up to 3.000 spectators. Shakespeare was one of
four actors who bought a share in the Globe. It was opened for performances in
May 1599 presenting many of Shakespeare’s greatest plays. In order to advertise
the type of play they would perform, they hanged coloured flags outside the theatre:
a red flag for a history play, a white one for a comedy play and a black one for a
tragedy play. At the entrance one could also read the phrase “The whole word is a
playhouse” written in Latin. The theatre burnt down in 1613 when a cannon used
for a performance of Henry VIII set light to the roof and the fire quickly spread. The
theatre was quickly rebuilt, but then closed down in 1642. A modern reconstruction
of the Globe, named Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, opened in 1997, very close to
the original site in Southwark.
1.
When and where was the Globe Theatre first built?
2.
Where did they get the material to build it from?
3.
How many people could be in the audience?
4.
Did Shakespeare earn any profit from the performances?
5.
If they performed a comedy, which flag would they hang?
6.
What do you think they meant by the Latin phrase outside the theatre?
7.
Was the theatre burnt down deliberately?
8.
How long did it take until they built the modern Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre?
LEVEL 3
Activity B
Think & Complete. Analyse the play
Shakespeare Today! and complete the
following chart with the right information.
Play Analysis: Shakespeare Today!
PLOT & MAIN CONFLICT
CHARACTERS (their appearance, personalities and feelings,)
SETTING, STAGE AND COSTUMES
MUSIC (Rhythm, time and sound)
ANALOGY WITH THE PLAY MACBETH by William Shakespeare
LEVEL 3
Activity C
Listen & Complete
Listen to the following dialogue and do
the multiple choice activity.
1.
Macbeth has killed …………………………., but the latter’s son is still alive.
A. Mark and Duncan B. Duncan and Banquo C. Duncan and Macduff
2.
Macbeth conjures the witches by …………………………. .
A. the spells they cast B. the science they teach C. the science they profess
3.
The witches advise Macbeth to …………………………. .
A. question, listen and give his opinion B. question, listen and remain silent
C. question, listen and go away
4.
The first witch tells him to …………………………. .
A. beware of Macduff B. beware of his wife C. beware of his actions
5.
The second witch encourages him to be …………………………. .
A. trustworthy, brave and daring! B. bloodthirsty, brave and caring!
C. bloodthirsty, brave and daring!
6.
She adds that …………………………. shall harm Macbeth.
A. a woman he knows B. none of woman born C. neither woman nor man
7.
The third witch assures him that he will not be defeated ……………………. .
A. until they reach the woods of Birnam B. until the woods of Birnam disappear
C. until the woods of Birnam move
8.
Macbeth thinks these are …………………………. .
A. terrible predictions B. great predictions C. dark predictions
LEVEL 3
Activity D
Think & Write. Write an essay agreeing
or disagreeing with the following
statements (220-260 words)
1.
“Shakespeare’s plays don’t bear any resemblance with nowadays events”.
2.
“Shakespeare’s plays reflect thoroughly the same type of emotions and
feelings we experience today”.
3.
“Ambition is one of the most powerful tools you need to succeed”.
4.
“Power breeds bad qualities”.
5.
“Real power means being able to accept weakness”.