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.

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.

 
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.