Modern Mysteries

Hidden passages found in Shakespeare theater

By T.K. Randall
November 12, 2016 ·  1 comment

Many of Shakespeare's plays were performed at the Curtain Theater. Image Credit: Public Domain The historic theater, which was built in 1577, was once the main venue for The Lord Chamberlain's Men, a famous company of actors for which Shakespeare himself wrote most of his plays.

Now archaeologists excavating the site have revealed the discovery of hidden passageways underneath the stage and backstage areas - tunnels that would have enabled the actors to get around unseen during performances."We found two thresholds of doorways - we thought they were doors to allow the audience access from the yard up to the gallery but now we can see that the doors would actually allow movement underneath the stage" said senior archaeologist Heather Knight.

Shakespeare's Curtain Theater in Shoreditch reveals clues after excavation https://t.co/twPXztlDAl pic.twitter.com/7ZjGN3Izq4

— Historic England (@HistoricEngland) November 11, 2016

There were other surprises in store during the excavation too, such as the discovery that the stage is actually much longer than previously thought and that, unlike other theaters of the time, there was no 'tiring house' - an area backstage where the actors would have changed their costumes.

Items such as drinking vessels, clay pipes and glass beads were also found at the site.

Source: IB Times | Comments (1)

Tags: Shakespeare