SHAKESPEARE'S GLOBE
The reconstructed Globe was built exactly as it it would have
appeared over 400 years ago. The Globe Theatre is the site where most of the
Bard's plays were originally performed.
William Shakespeare (1564 - 1616)
During his lifetime,
Shakespeare wrote and directed the greatest body of original dramatic work ever
produced. His extraordinary vision allowed him to explore the intricacy of the
"human condition" and with a unique mastery of the written word to
share that vision with his audience. Often referred to as simply 'The Bard',
Shakespeare is acknowledged as the greatest playwright in the history of the
stage - his words have enriched our lives and forever changed our understanding
of the human psyche. As a testament to his remarkable brilliance, his writings
have been translated into every major language and continue to be performed
hundreds of years after his death.
Historical Background
Built in 1599 by
Cuthbert Burbage in Southwark, a district of London, the Globe Theatre became
the location where many of Shakespeare's most renowned plays were first
performed. In 1613, three years before the Bard's death, the firing of a canon
during a production of Henry VIII set the dry thatched roof of the theatre on
fire, completely destroying the original building. The Globe was rebuilt in
less than a year but its new lease on life was short lived. In one of the
most troubled periods of British history, Oliver Cromwell assumed control of
Parliament, removed the king from power and declared himself Lord
Protector. Cromwell believed that theatres promoted sinful behavior and
ordered his loyal puritan army (known as roundheads) to force every theatre in
the country to close its doors. The Globe, being a prominent landmark in London,
became a victim of the times and was subsequently destroyed to make way for
tenements.
