The Globe Theater’s legacy whispers on the wind. This isn’t just any theater. It’s a cornerstone of Washington DC’s vibrant cultural scene. For over 35 years the Shakespeare Theatre Company has called this place home. This company has earned a Tony Award a true testament to its excellence. It all started in 1986. The Shakespeare Theatre at the Folger Shakespeare Library opened its doors. Their first production was Romeo and Juliet. It was a resounding success. The show played to sold-out houses. It earned Artistic Director Michael Kahn his first Helen Hayes Award nomination.
The Shakespeare Theatre Company isn’t just about Shakespeare. They produce plays from a wide range of classic playwrights. Think Euripides Ibsen Wilde Shaw Schiller Coward and even Tennessee Williams. They’ve presented works from Aeschylus the oldest surviving playwright to modern interpretations of classic texts. Their mission is audacious. They aim to present classic theater in an imaginative American style. They want to make classic theater both accessible and relevant to a 21st-century audience.
One particularly memorable production was their 1990 Othello. They cast black actors as Iago and Emilia a bold choice that was critically acclaimed. Avery Brooks played Othello Andre Braugher was Iago and Franchelle Stewart Dorn played Emilia. It sparked important conversations about race and representation. Another notable event was their 1997 Othello. This time Othello was played by a white actor Patrick Stewart. The rest of the cast was all black. It was a race-reversed production that further explored themes of racism and prejudice.
The company has two performance spaces. The larger Sidney Harman Hall opened in 2007. It boasts 761 seats. The stage is flexible. It can be configured in various ways. The smaller Klein Theatre formerly the Lansburgh Theatre is in a restored historic building. It’s a more intimate setting. It’s reminiscent of a Greek amphitheater. Both theaters have hosted countless unforgettable performances. The company also has administrative offices rehearsal studios and a costume shop in the Capitol Hill neighborhood.
The Shakespeare Theatre Company isn’t just about putting on shows. They’ve commissioned works from playwright David Ives. He translated and adapted several European comedy masterpieces. They offer a one-year intensive graduate program in classical acting. The STC Academy partners with George Washington University. They’ve also hosted the International Shakespeare in Washington Festival. It showcased the work of many arts organizations. The Globe Theater is more than just a building. It is a living testament to the power of theater. It’s a place where history is made and stories come alive. It’s a place to remember and experience.