The History of English Podcast Episode 176: All the World’s a Playhouse
May 9, 2024
Explore the vibrant world of Elizabethan theaters and their impact on the English language as Kevin delves into Shakespeare's iconic works. Discover how cultural exchanges added new words, from 'cash' to 'curry.' Learn about the fascinating rise of permanent playhouses in London and the remarkable discoveries at the Rose Theatre. Unpack the comedy and intrigue of 'The Merry Wives of Windsor' and the historical significance of phrases like 'The world is my oyster.' This journey connects global influences with the evolution of English.
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How Playhouse Layout Shaped Theatre Words
- Elizabethan playhouses featured an open yard (pit) with groundlings standing close to the stage for a penny and galleries above for wealthier patrons.
- Many modern theatre terms like pit, gallery, and orchestra trace back to these layouts and ancient Greek usage.
Orchestra Meant Dancing Place First
- The term orchestra originally meant the dancing place in Greek theatres and referred to the area in front of the stage.
- Musicians later sat there and became known as the orchestra, producing two related modern senses.
Seating Changes Created Modern Phrases
- Gallery seats became cheaper as seating filled the pit and preference shifted toward front seats near the stage.
- Phrases like "playing to the gallery" and "peanut gallery" derive from this class-based seating history.
