Donkey of the Shrew: A Kid’s Eye on Animals at the Globe Theatre
| by Hamlet, Princess of Denmark |
When the script called for an animal in the Renaissance, what did they do? Petruchio talks about horses in Act IV, Scene 5 of Shakespeare’s “Taming of the Shrew.” Although I think he really had a donkey. So, how did they get horses or donkeys on stage at the Globe? These are things a Kid really wants to know. Donkey of the Shrew: A Kid’s Eye on Animals at the Globe Theatre.
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Well, we don’t know. People do have some guesses though. Especially since the Globe was equipped with special effects such as:
- Cannon
- Trapdoors
- Wires, ropes, harnesses
- Fireworks
- Flowers, flower petals
- Music
What Some Historians Believe
Some historians think it very likely that they had live animals as well. Especially small animals, like dogs, bunnies, etc.
But, how on earth would they fit a donkey on stage? Well, the Globe theatre was approximately 100 feet across. The stage was 45 feet wide, and donkeys are only about five feet tall. But still, what would they do with it when it wasn’t on stage? The backstage was very big, perhaps it went there? Or, maybe they wired it up under the trapdoor, next to the cannon, on top of the fireworks? Did the theater have their own “resident” donkey? A mascot? Most likely, they would have rented one.
Even though (sniff!) we will not have a real, live donkey in our production of Taming of the Shrew, it will still be believable. Shakespeare’s words will provide all the description necessary for you to imagine that donkey on stage!
Do you know about donkeys, Shakespeare, and Renaissance stages? Please share your insights in the comments. Do you have additional thoughts on the subject? Please comment below!
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SHAKESPEARE FOR ALL
Working with Shakespeare in education frightens many. Because Shakespeare experts, including professionals, surround us. Escaping them is difficult. This can be intimidating. Thus, feelings of dread usually accompany the act of presenting, but moreover be introduced to, the Bard.
For this reason, ImprovEd Shakespeare is here to help. Founder and Director, Andee Kinzy, offers the layman’s approach to Shakespeare.
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SHAKESPEARE FOR TEACHERS AND DIRECTORS
If you’re an English teacher, a theatre director, or a well-trained Shakespeare advocate, here you will find inspiration, as well as techniques, for making our favorite bard fun for Kids. Accordingly, we present old, new and improved ideas for introducing Shakespeare to youth for the non-Shakespeare-academic. Among them, we include theatre games, improvisation, tips, tricks, plus activities for using Shakespeare in education.
SHAKESPEARE FOR KIDS
Since 2011, ImprovEd Shakespeare has been exploring the Bard with youth through theatrical performance. Our signature scripts are a mix of modern narration plus original Shakespeare verse. With a focus on the story, including an abbreviated script length, our productions entertain all ages. Moreover, our catalog goes beyond the oft-used Midsummer Night’s Dream, or Romeo and Juliet. We’ve discovered that young people find much to their delight among many of Shakespeare’s works. Consider subscribing to our YouTube channel for family-friendly Shakespeare videos.
PERFORMANCES
Each fall and spring, ImprovEd Shakespeare develops a new production for live performance. In honor of the traditional Renaissance traveling troupe, during a period of a few weeks, we present Kid-friendly plays at various venues around town. Our Players, between 3rd-11th grade, gear themselves with playful, as well as engaging interpretations of works by the Bard of Avon. Suitable for all ages, each performance runs for about an hour.
Furthermore, these shows are always FREE. However, we gladly accept Donations! Additionally, visit ImprovEd Shakespeare, Shakespeare for Kids by Kids on Facebook, Instagram, & Twitter. And don’t forget to click on our BLOG for the stories behind these videos.
