* Dim light: Candles would have provided a very dim and flickering light, making it difficult for the audience to see the actors and the play.
* Fire hazard: Candles in a crowded, wooden theatre would have presented a significant fire risk.
* Practicality: Candles would have required constant tending and would have produced a lot of smoke and soot.
Instead of candles, Shakespearean plays were likely illuminated by:
* Sunlight: Performances were held during the day, taking advantage of natural light.
* Torches: These provided a brighter and more focused light, but were still relatively dim.
* Firelight: Some plays may have incorporated firelight into the staging, creating a dramatic and atmospheric effect.
The specific lighting techniques used in Shakespearean theatre remain a matter of debate among scholars, but candles were likely not a significant factor.