The New Globe Theater
The new Globe Theater was built in the early 1990s. It sits only a few hundred yards from the site of the original Globe Theater on the south side of the Thames River in London, England, across from St. Paul’s Cathedral. What is so special about the new Globe Theater? It is a true copy of the original sixteenth century Globe Theater where many of William Shakespeare’s plays were first performed.
William Shakespeare
William Shakespeare was the son of a wealthy merchant and was born in Stratford-on-Avon, England, in 1564. In the late 1580s, Shakespeare left Stratford-on-Avon to make his way in London as an actor and playwright. England’s Queen during this time was the popular Elizabeth I; therefore, this period of history is called the Elizabethan Era. During the Elizabethan Era, attending plays was a popular entertainment for both the wealthy and the poor. Several of Shakespeare’s most famous plays were performed for the first time at the original Globe Theater including:
Julius Caesar
Hamlet
Henry V
Macbeth
The Original Globe Theater
No one knows exactly what the original Globe Theater looked like. But past documents, maps, and the remains of other Elizabethan Era buildings give us a clue. It was likely built in a circle using wood and plaster. The stage jutted out into an uncovered courtyard where the poor stood—rain or shine—to watch the play. Side gallery seating areas for the wealthy were covered by a thatched roof. The original accidentally burned to the ground in 1613. It was rebuilt in 1614 and thrived until 1642 when the Puritan government closed it.
Before 1576, plays were performed by traveling actors in the private homes of the wealthy, town halls, and inn courtyards. By 1599, when the original Globe Theater was built, open-air theaters were very popular. Two other open-air theaters, the Rose and the Swan, were also located on the south bank of the Thames near the Globe Theater.
The New Globe Theater
The new Globe Theater is also an open-air arena built of wood and plaster with seating areas covered with a thatched roof. Special permission was needed to restore the theater’s thatched roof because of the possible fire hazard. A sprinkler system and extra exits are the chief differences between the original Globe Theater and the new Globe Theater.
Several of Shakespeare’s plays are performed during each summer season. School children attend the special educational programs at the theater. Thousands of visitors also tour the Shakespeare Globe Exhibit at the theater each year.