Globe theater shakespeare

The Globe Theatre, home to Shakespeare's plays, was reconstructed near its original site in Southwark, London, preserving Elizabethan architecture.

About this subject

The original Globe Theatre was built in 1599 by William Shakespeare's acting company, the Lord Chamberlain's Men, in the Southwark district of London, along the River Thames. It was a circular amphitheater with a capacity of about 3,000 spectators, with the audience standing in the yard in front of the stage. The timber and thatch structure was destroyed by a fire in 1613 during a performance of Henry VIII, when a stage cannon ignited the roof. It was rebuilt in 1614 but closed by the Puritans in 1642 and demolished in 1644.

The current Globe Theatre, known as Shakespeare's Globe, was reconstructed using traditional methods and materials, based on archaeological research and historical records. It was opened in 1997, about 230 meters from the original site. Construction took over a decade and involved specialized craftsmen. The theatre seats 1,400 people, with 700 seated and 700 standing in the yard. The roof is thatched, treated with fire retardant, and the walls are of green oak.

The site is a major tourist and cultural center, with over 1 million visitors per year. It offers guided tours, exhibitions, and performances of Shakespeare's plays as well as other modern playwrights. Watching a play at the Globe is a unique experience, as the audience interacts directly with the actors, just like in Elizabethan times. It also houses a theatre school and educational resources promoting the study of Shakespeare.

Interestingly, the Globe Theatre is not the only reconstructed theatre in the world. Replicas exist in places like Tokyo, Neuss (Germany), and Odessa (Texas), but none with the authenticity of the London one. The reconstruction was championed by actor and director Sam Wanamaker, who started the project in 1970 and died before seeing it completed. His legacy is one of London's top cultural attractions, blending history and live performance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Did the original Globe Theatre really burn down?

Yes, on June 29, 1613, during a performance of Henry VIII, a stage cannon misfired and set the thatched roof ablaze. The theatre burned down in under an hour.

Can you watch plays at the current Globe Theatre?

Yes, the season runs from May to October, featuring Shakespeare's plays and modern works. Standing tickets for the yard (groundlings) are cheaper and offer an authentic Elizabethan experience.

How much did the Globe Theatre reconstruction cost?

The project cost about £30 million, funded by donations, including from actor Sam Wanamaker. Construction took 13 years, from 1984 to 1997.