What do the flags in the Globe Theater represent?

The Globe Theatre Flags were a simple device which were used to advertise which play was to be performed that day. There was limited planning involved in respect of advertising. The owners and actors had to ensure a fast turnaround of plays. read more

Flags were used by the Globe Theater to announce and proclaim the performance of a play. The modern equivalent is the theater marquee. Today theater marquees remain the same for as long as a particular play is performed. read more

The Globe The metaphor of the theater as a whole world in itself runs throughout Shakespeare. 'The Globe' was probably a reference to the fact that the actors create a world for the audience. The globe would hang a flag up when a play was on. The globe was very noisy even when a play was on, there were often riots and fights. read more

The flags at the Globe Theatre (not theater) were used as a way of advertising what was on and a way of sharing information at a time when a large proportion of the population were illiterate. read more