While the English Renaissance is a thing of the past, the period was a very fashion-forward time. Everyone knows what the quintessential Renaissance garb of classic Shakespeare looks like, but not everyone knows the name or the reason for these articles of clothing. Here are a few examples of the standard fashion. The Ruff The ruff, which was worn by men, women, and children, served … Continue reading Fashion Forward in the Past: The Style of the Renaissance 

Here are some fun facts you might not know about Shakespeare’s famous theatre. • Serious outbreaks of the Bubonic plague caused more than three closures of the Globe theatre, as a precaution to protect from disease. The Globe was an open air theatre, with three floors and could seat about 3,000 people. The theatre used flags to advertise what genre of play would be the … Continue reading All the World’s A Stage: The Globe Theatre

Imagine the packed house at the Old Globe in 1601, the place and time of William Shakespeare. As the light from the oil lamps dim and the clatter of the crowd dies, the act begins and our valiant hero enters the stage. He is followed closely behind by his one true love, the eloquent and beautiful damsel played by…a man in a dress? Don’t be … Continue reading What a Drag! Shakespeare’s Cross-Dressers

by Alexander Hehr After 37 plays, 154 sonnets, and over 400 years of adoration, it is safe to say everyone’s heard of William Shakespeare. But has everyone heard the songs inspired by Shakespeare? Not only did the immortal bard create works of art that lasted for centuries, but his stories influenced lyricists and composers of the modern era to create their own masterpieces that hold … Continue reading Brush Up on Your Shakespeare