Sketch of Interior of Swan Theater

Sketch of Interior of Swan Theater

Theater--England--History--16th century

Theater--England--History--17th century

Swan Theatre (London, England)

Stage history

This sketch purportedly represents an interior view of the Swan Theatre, from the vantage point opposite center stage at roughly eye level with the roof (tectum). It depicts a raised proscenium stage jutting out prominently into the groundling gallery space, such that the stage seems to be deeper than it is wide. The stage, on which a few actors appear to be rehearsing, is supported by two columns. At the rear of the stage are two separate entrances from the tiring-house (mimorum aedes), where actors kept props and changed costumes between scenes. Directly above the tiring-house, there are six windows or gallery spaces, populated with either musicians or well-to-do spectators. This vertical structure exceeds the height of the theater roof. From its top-most story, a musician is blowing his horn, which would have signaled the start of the theatrical performance. The flag flying from the very top of this structure features a swan.

De Witt, Johannes

Wikimedia Commons

Van Buchel, Aernout

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