The Globe Theater

   I had the extreme pleasure of seeing A Midsummer Night's Dream in the Globe Theater while I was in London.  For anyone unfamiliar with the Globe, it is a large round theater with an open roof.  The stage is set in the middle surrounded by lots of floor space and then the box seats, first floor and a balcony level.  The stage, too has a balcony level.  I was standing less than a foot from the stage.  The groundling section as it is called is standing on the floor.  In Shakespeare's time I would have been there with all the other commoners.  It does hold true to the Shakespeare style.  They even have people waiting to pick up those who faint because they have gotten too hot in the crowd.

It was a remarkable show, done entirely by the actors in their pajamas. most played two roles, one part and a faery part.  Instead of changing costume, they signaled their change into a faery by turning on little lights on their pajamas.  This was a real taste of Shakespeare's world and seeing the play this way made it all make sense. For anyone who likes Shakespeare, this is DEFINITELY something you want to do.  It is an unforgettable experience and truly helps you get a feel for his work.