Download Statement Regarding the Artistic Direction of Shakespeare`s Globe

Statement Regarding the Artistic Direction of Shakespeare’s Globe
Tuesday 25 October 2016
The Shakespeare Globe Trust Board together with Artistic Director, Emma Rice, have
determined that the current nature of work, which has characterised the period since Emma
assumed the position of Artistic Director in April 2016, will conclude in April 2018, when
Emma will be leaving the Globe following its 2017/18 Winter Season.
Neil Constable, CEO, Shakespeare's Globe, said:
"Emma’s mould-breaking work has brought our theatre new and diverse audiences, won
huge creative and critical acclaim, and achieved exceptionally strong box office returns. In
breaking the mould, this latest season has generated productive debate concerning the
purpose and theatrical practice of the Globe, in relation to the use of sound and lighting
technology within our theatre spaces. Following much deliberation and discussion, the Globe
Board has concluded that from April 2018, the theatre programming should be structured
around 'shared light' productions without designed sound and light rigging, which
characterised a large body of The Globe’s work prior to Emma’s appointment.
The Globe was reconstructed as a radical experiment to explore the conditions within which
Shakespeare and his contemporaries worked, and we believe this should continue to be the
central tenet of our work. Whilst the realisation of Emma’s vision has been a vital part of our
continuing experimentation as a theatre, we have now concluded that a predominant use of
contemporary sound and lighting technology will not enable us to optimise further
experimentation in our unique theatre spaces and the playing conditions which they offer.
As Emma has already so brilliantly and inventively demonstrated, the Globe remains
committed to delighting audiences and engaging them in both Shakespeare's work and the
playhouse for which he wrote. We all look forward to Emma's forthcoming visionary
programmes, which are certain to thrill and surprise audiences, as they have to date."
Emma Rice, Artistic Director, Shakespeare's Globe, said:
“I have had a wonderful time creatively here at the Globe, but I respect the Board’s decision
for its future direction. I look forward to continuing to explore the possibilities of this
extraordinary space over the next 18 months, excited to see even more astonishing work
unfolding in the glorious wooden 'O' as well as the exquisite Sam Wanamaker Playhouse. My
tenure as Artistic Director has given me the opportunity of forging relationships with the most
talented array of directors, actors and Globe staff throughout my 2016 Wonder Season, who
I will be sad to say farewell to. The wonder now continues with the Wonder Noir Winter
Season, and ahead to my 2017 Summer Season, which promises to be filled with joy, delight
and love.”
A further statement will be made in due course when we announce the process for the
appointment of a successor Artistic Director.
EDITORS’ NOTES
Shared light:
In Elizabethan amphitheatres, like the 1599 Globe Theatre, performances took place in
‘shared light’. Under such conditions, actors and audiences would be able to see each other.
Using electric light to simulate daylight recreates this condition of ’shared light’ for modern
audiences. This attention to a key original playing condition of Shakespeare’s theatre
enables the actors to play ‘with’ rather than ‘to’ or ‘at’ audiences. Actors therefore develop
their ability to give and take focus using voice, gesture and movement.
Emma Rice was appointed in May 2015, becoming Artistic Director Designate in November
2015, and Artistic Director from April 2016.
Shakespeare’s Globe
Booking:
Phone
+44 (0) 20 7401 9919
In person
Mon-Sat 10am-6pm (8pm on performance days)
Sundays
10am-5pm (7pm on performance days)
Online
www.shakespearesglobe.com
Tickets
£5 - £45 (Globe Theatre) £10 - £62 (Sam Wanamaker Playhouse)
For more information please contact Claudia Conway on +44 (0) 207 902 1491 /
[email protected]
Patrons who are members of the free access scheme are eligible for adjusted ticket prices.
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The Sam Wanamaker Playhouse: The candlelit Jacobean theatre at Shakespeare's
Globe opened in January 2014. The Playhouse hosts concerts and other events
throughout the summer season. Its main indoor theatre season runs from October to
April, and this year will centre on the theme of Wonder Noir, with productions of Milton’s
Comus, Hans Christian Andersen’s The Little Matchgirl and Other Happier Tales,
Webster’s The White Devil and Shakespeare’s Othello.
Globe Education: One of the largest arts education departments in the UK; each year,
over 100,000 people of all ages and nationalities participate in its public events, workshops
and courses. Globe Education also runs extensive outreach programmes for students and
teachers in the Southwark community, nationally and internationally.
Globe Exhibition & Tour: Open to the public all year round, the Globe Exhibition and
Tour explores the life of Shakespeare, the London where he lived, and the theatre for
which he wrote.
Globe On Tour: The Globe’s productions tour extensively in the UK and internationally.
The 2016 Globe on Tour season included Jonathan Munby’s hit production of The
Merchant of Venice, starring Jonathan Pryce, and Nick Bagnall’s The Two Gentlemen of
Verona.
Globe Player: A brand new online platform offering full-length HD films of over 50
Shakespeare productions at the Globe to rent or buy.
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Globe On Screen: Shakespeare's Globe on Screen returns to cinemas in 2016, bringing
highlights from the 2015 theatre season to cinemas worldwide. Globe on Screen 2016
features The Merchant of Venice, Richard II and Measure for Measure, all captured in
'live' high definition. For more information contact [email protected]
Globe Shop: Stocks a variety of products, including theatre season-specific
merchandise. All profits go towards supporting our educational mission.
The Swan Bar and Restaurant and the Foyer Café Bar: Open all year round, for
reservations and more information please call 020 7928 9444 or visit loveswan.co.uk
The Shakespeare Globe Trust: Registered UK charity No. 266916. Shakespeare’s
Globe receives no regular public subsidy.