Shakespeare's Theatre

by Andrew Langley Author

(From Amazon): Shakespeare's Theatre is a tale of two theatres: the original Globe on the bank of the Thames in London, opened in 1599, and its modern reconstructed twin, built in almost exactly the same spot and opened nearly 400 years later. William Shakespeare wrote his finest plays with the Globe in mind, and acted on its stage as a member of the troupe that performed there. This lavishly illustrated book, issued in commemoration of the 400th anniversary of the Globe, chronicles the original setting and use of the theatre as well as the reconstruction, over the past 15 years, of the imposing structure in modern London. June Everett, Artist of the Record at the Globe Theatre, has commemorated the rebuilding project--from the laying of the foundation to the opening ceremony and first performance on its stage--in a series of inspired watercolors that evoke the atmosphere of the site. The paintings are supplemented by photographs and contemporary drawings that perfectly illustrate Andrew Langley's lively and accessible text. A chronology of Shakespeare's life and lists of his plays in order of first performance and of the London theatres at the beginning of the 17th century round off this volume.