What's on at the Globe.

The format for the 2001 season at the Globe has been changed from that of previous years. In April Umabatha returns for a one week mini-season of the Zulu Macbeth, then in May the Globe's own companies begin. The first two plays which will continue in performance throughout the May-September season are King Lear and Macbeth. In the second half of the season they will be joined by Cymbeline. A second international company, this time from Japan, will be performing their version of A Comedy of Errors for a two week period in the Summer.

Information on performance dates and times can be found on this page while cast lists and links to actor biographies can be found on the 2001 season cast page. The information contained on that page remains sketchy at this time, but will be expanded as soon as I know more.

Please be aware that although I have taken every care to make the following list as accurate as possble, I cannot be held responsible for errors or last minute changes in the schedule. Please check with the Globe Theatre box office for full details.

King Lear

Lear, the ageing king of Briton decides to divide his kingdom between his three daughters and abdicate in their favour. He asks them to tell him how much they each love him and allots land to them on that basis. Goneril and Regan, his eldest daughters abase themselves before him and shower him with compliments and praise. Cordelia however, whom he had loved most dearly says only that she loves him as a daughter should love her father, but that she will love her future husband as well. Prideful Lear is enraged by her apparent lack of fealty and disowns her.

In the days and weeks that follow, it soon becomes apparent that his decision was unwise to say the least, and that those who now hold power in Briton are among the least fit to wield it.

Click here for cast details.

Macbeth

Returning victorious from a great battle, Macbeth meets three witches who predict that he will become King of Scotland. When he returns to his leige Lord's side, Macbeth is rewarded by being granted the Thaneship of Cawdor, something that was also predicted by the witches, however King Duncan names his own son, Malcolm as the heir to the throne.

To further fete his triumphal general, King Duncan decides to ride with Macbeth back to his home and there dine with him before spending the night. However when Macbeth tells his ambitious wife of the witches predictions she persuades him that having the King under their own roof is an opportunity too good to miss. She convinces Macbeth to murder the King and lay the blame on Duncan's servants.

The plot suceeds, but Duncan's young son and heir flees the castle leaving Macbeth to rule as he'd so desired. In time however, Malcolm raises an army and returns, intent on taking back his supposed rightful place as King of Scotland.

Historical Note: Unlike King Lear, Macbeth was a genuine historical figure. In contrast however to Shakespeare's other historical plays he makes little effort to stick to the true facts in this case, for historically King Macbeth was a well respected and strong king who reigned for 17 years, while his wife was considered to be both kind and generous.

Click here for cast details.

Cymbeline

Click here for cast details.

Umabatha: The Zulu Macbeth

A visually stunning rendition of Shakespeare's tragic masterpiece. Welcome Msomi has created an impressive production that cannot fail to thrill its audiences.

The story closely parallels that of the original and despite the exotic setting few will have difficulty following the drama as it unfolds in a superbly choreographed display.

Click here for cast details.

The Comedy Store Players

The Nomura Mansaku Company's Comedy of Errors

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This page first appeared in January 2001.

Last update by R. Thomson - 13th January 2001.

Please note that I am not an official representative of the Globe Theatre or the International Shakespeare's Globe Centre. Please read my disclaimer.

© 2001 webmaster@angband.demon.co.uk