“Is this a dagger which I see before me?” Perhaps Shakespeare himself would ask that question if he were standing here. Today we explore the Tokyo Globe. It is a unique theater with a special connection to the Bard. The Tokyo Globe is not just a building. It is a portal to another time and place.
The Tokyo Globe is in Shinjuku. This theater is modeled after the original Globe Theatre in London. That Globe was where Shakespeare himself staged many of his plays. Imagine stepping back into Elizabethan England right here in Tokyo.
The original Globe Theatre has a rich history. It was built in 1599. It stood on the south bank of the River Thames. Shakespeare was not only a playwright. He was also a shareholder in the Globe. This meant he had a direct stake in its success. The Globe became synonymous with Shakespeare’s works.
The first Globe burned down in 1613. A second Globe was built on the same site. However it was torn down in 1644.
The Tokyo Globe gives us a glimpse of what the original was like. The theater has a thrust stage. This means the stage extends into the audience. The audience surrounds the stage on three levels. This creates an intimate atmosphere. It is similar to how plays were performed in Shakespeare’s time. The architecture is based on historical sketches and contracts.
The Tokyo Globe opened in 1988. It was intended to be a faithful reproduction. The theater even imported a British company. They performed Shakespeare’s historical plays. The goal was to celebrate the opening. It aimed to bring authentic Shakespearean performances to Tokyo.
Today the Tokyo Globe hosts a variety of performances. These include plays musicals and concerts. It is also associated with Johnny’s Entertainment. This company promotes pop idols in acting.
Shakespeare’s plays are still very popular in Japan. Many productions are performed each year. Tokyo is one of the world’s leading theatrical centers. The Tokyo Globe helps keep Shakespeare’s legacy alive. It provides a space for both classic and modern interpretations.
So next time you are in Tokyo consider visiting the Tokyo Globe. Experience the magic of Shakespeare in a unique setting. It is a journey back in time that you won’t soon forget.