Shakespeare’s Globe is sending out a group of touring actors this summer to perform Romeo And Juliet in a variety of outdoor settings around the country, culminating in a performance at Lord’s Cricket Ground in London.
The original Globe had a touring company, the King’s Men, which took plays out of the theatre to the wider populace. Although this has long been known, it was once thought that this company was a response to disapproval of theatre in London, or perhaps to plague. Recently, evidence has been brought to light that shows that it was, in fact, a regular and important part of Shakespeare’s company’s work. This is the first time in 400 years that a company has set out from the Globe to tour a play.
The company are performing a stripped down version of the classic love story. Dominic Dromgoole, Artistic Director of the Globe, commented: “The Globe was born out of a touring company culture, and that culture remained vital to it while it flourished. We are delighted to be exploring again the tradition of taking Shakespeare into non-theatrical spaces.”
The production is directed by Edward Dick, who recently directed ‘Tis Pity She’s A Whore at the Southwark Playhouse and The Age Of Consent at the Bush.
Romeo And Juliet opens at Shakespeare’s Globe on 17 June before heading off around the UK, ending its tour at Lord’s on 2 September.
JFC