Shakespeare+Journal

Age 19 Name – Lucy Sex Female Marital status- married Occupation-wife of clothworker Income- none Where in London do you live? I live near the bear baiting How much education did you receive? Basic education at home What were you taught? Writing and math What is your religion? Protestantism How has your religion affected your life in terms of how you are treated by people in power? Same religion as Queen Elizabeth, very acceptable What play do you go to see? Love's Labour Lost How did you know it was playing? What other Shakespeare plays might you have been able to see? Julius Caesar What play by Shakespeare was your favorite until now? The Merchant of Venice What actor in the company is your favorite actor? Richard Burbage How are you dressed when you attend the play? Simply, no jewels or pearls, just peasant wear. Describe some of the costumes the actors wear. The "princess of France" wore a large gown with gold lace and seed pearls sewn in. You are planning to go to a ball (fancy dance party) after the play. How will you dress for that? I am planning to go as a servant, so I will wear the uniform the host desires. What did you dine on before going to the theater? Bread, butter and cheese When did you eat? around 11 in the morning What did you drink? Ale How much did it cost? I ate at home, I'm too poor to eat out. How much did you pay for your ticket? The money I got when my parents died. Where did you sit? I sat in the galleries, which costs 2 pence, but I decided to treat myself. A number of your friends chose to spend the afternoon seeing another kind of entertainment, What was it? They went to go see bear baiting, where a bear is chained and dogs attack them. Who was the most important person you recognized in the audience? A famous journey man who has traveled the sea, I do not remember his name. Who ruled England at the time? Queen Elizabeth l What was some gossip about the ruler? Who was the Lord Mayor of London at the time? Nicholas Mosley What is the last book you read? Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet

May 12 1597

Today I went to go see my first play! I went to see Shakespeare's "Love's Labour Lost", a comedy. I had money from my parents passing, after selling their house and all belongings, I had a little left over for a seat in the galleries, which was a real treat. Edward was not able to go with me, a clothworker's work is never done! It was a very long walk to the theatre, so I ate dinner before I went for the afternoon show. I really must learn to make ale for our household now! Unfortunately my friends did not join me for this play, they went to go see the bear baiting. I think it's a terrible show, hurting animals for entertainment. Later on I am going to a ball, unfortunately not as a guest but as a servant. How I wish I could wear a beautiful ballgown adorned with seed pearls and gold trim. In the play, the princess of France wore a lovely gown just like that. Many nobles are taught much more than I was taught, I wish to be able to play an instrument or sing. Then I might make more money than just being a clothmaker's wife. I really must hurry to the ball if I plan to be on time! Love Lucy