How beauteous mankind is! O brave new world, that has such people in’t!

Under Construction
Under Construction

It’s no secret that I’m a big Shakespeare fan. When I lived in London, The Globe was one of my favorite places to be. So when I heard about the Pop-Up Globe, there was no question I’d be seeing a play or two.

Then the call went out for volunteers. There was no choice.

 

 

 

 

Anthony and Cleopatra
Anthony and Cleopatra

The Globe opened in February and for the next twelve weeks I spent as much time as I could there. I scanned tickets and greeted guests as they arrived. I directed people to their seats and told them where the bar was. I roasted in the heat. I got drenched when it rained. I smiled and sold programmes and collected empty wine glasses and litter at the end of every show.   I stood until my feet ached and then I stood some more. I got really good at standing.

The Tempest
The Tempest

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

At least once a week I’d work a full day then head up to the Globe for the evening. Some days I wouldn’t get home until after midnight. Then I’d get up in the morning and do it again.

Titus
Titus

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Pop-Up Globe was an audacious, ridiculous idea. Every time I arrived I couldn’t quite believe the place existed. People came back again and again. People who had never seen Shakespeare before had the best possible introduction. Over twelve weeks ninety thousand people came through the doors.

 

Groundlings don't let a little rain stop the fun.
Groundlings don’t let a little rain stop the fun.

I was continually asked what would be playing next year (nothing – it’ll be gone). I was asked where the Globe was going next (no idea. But it’s gotta go somewhere, right?)

 

 

 

 

 

Twelfth Night
Twelfth Night

 

 

 

 

 

 

They’re pulling The Globe down now. It’s all being documented on Instagram, if you can stand to watch. I can’t.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The view from the Upper Gallery
The view from the Upper Gallery

 

 

Two households, both alike in dignity, In fair Verona, where we lay our scene, From ancient grudge break to new mutiny, Where civil blood makes civil hands unclean.
Two households, both alike in dignity,
In fair Verona, where we lay our scene,
From ancient grudge break to new mutiny,
Where civil blood makes civil hands unclean.
"Go hence, to have more talk of these sad things"
“Go hence, to have more talk of these sad things”

There was a bunch of stuff I’d planned on doing over the summer that I didn’t get to. The garden’s a disaster. The hallway remains unpainted. The novel didn’t get revised. But to get the chance to play a tiny part in this beautiful idea?

No place I’d rather be.

outside

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