Pop-up Globe

Can you imagine a theatre popping up, almost like magic? Well, right here in Auckland, the Pop-up Globe did just that. It wasn’t magic, of course, but it was a remarkable feat of engineering and a testament to the enduring power of Shakespeare. The Pop-up Globe, the world’s first full-scale reconstruction of Shakespeare’s second Globe Theatre, graced Auckland from 2016 to 2020. This innovative theatre company brought the Bard’s works to life in a way few had experienced before. They built not one, but five temporary Globe playhouses across New Zealand and Australia. Here in Auckland, the Pop-up Globe found its first home next to the Auckland Town Hall, captivating over 100,000 people in its inaugural season. The Pop-up Globe wasn’t just a building; it was an experience. The design, based on Professor Tim Fitzpatrick’s research, was a marvel. A 16-sided polygon, 88 feet in diameter and 56 feet high, complete with an “onion dome” roof. The Pop-up Globe held 300 groundlings and another 600 seated guests. The stage, meticulously designed, measured 43 feet wide, just as the contract for the Fortune Playhouse specified. The company even incorporated specific details, like changing the scaenae frons between seasons, learning and adapting for better performances. What made the Pop-up Globe so special was its approach to Shakespeare. Actors engaged directly with the audience, acknowledging the unpredictable nature of live performance, from boisterous patrons to passing planes. They embraced ad-libs, ensuring each show was unique. Live music and dance were integral. Every performance culminated in a traditional jig. The Pop-up Globe also fostered local talent. Around 80% of each company’s actors were Kiwis, collaborating with international performers from the UK, the US, and Australia. This mix created a dynamic energy on stage. The Pop-up Globe’s legacy extended beyond the stage. They offered enrichment activities like talks, tours, and classes. They hosted visiting productions and special events. They even incorporated te reo Māori into performances like A Midsummer Night’s Dream, showcasing Aotearoa’s unique cultural identity. Sadly, the Covid-19 pandemic forced the Pop-up Globe to cease performances in March 2020. A year later, the company went into liquidation, bringing down the curtain on this extraordinary chapter of Auckland’s theatre history. But the memory of the Pop-up Globe and the magic it created lives on. It reminds us of the power of theatre to transport us, to engage us, and to connect us with the timeless stories of Shakespeare in a truly innovative and unforgettable way.