Dear Universe,
Yesterday the geek in me had a day of glory.
I finally made it to Shakespeare’s Globe Theater.
I say finally because ever since the 9th grade when I read my first Shakespeare play, “Romeo and Juliet” and learned all about the poet/playwright, his life and The Globe, I wanted to go. This fascination only grew with time as I fell more in love with the language, the time period and countless other plays.
In fact, I just realized there hasn’t been a year in my life since the ninth grade where I haven’t read or taught a Shakespeare play.
Both times I’ve been to London previously, I’ve tried to make my way to The Globe. But there are no shows during the winter months so the best I could do was take a tour in their tiny museum and hang around the gift shop.
It was nice, but it didn’t quite satisfy me completely.
So one of the first things I did once my airplane tickets to London were booked this time, was to look into shows at The Globe.
My first choice, “Hamlet”, was sold out. “Twelfth Night” too. But when I found an opening to see “Taming of the Shrew,” I went for it. Even though it’s one of plays I am not super familiar with, I was still excited. It’s a quintessential Shakespearean comedy—mistaken identities, women with multiple suitors and lots of lewd humor—so I was sold. (If you’re not familiar with the plot, think of the movie “Ten Things I Hate About You.” It’s based on TOTS.)
The show did not disappoint…..
I sat enthralled for three hours, never even fidgeting. It was truly one of the most amazing experiences I’ve ever had. The actors were incredible—getting the timing just right—and they looked like they loved what they were doing, like they loved sharing Shakespeare with us. There were moments when they came right into the audience walking amongst the groundlings—and every face standing and sitting had a smile from ear to ear.
I really felt honored to be there, watching this play unfold and feeling like everyone else there was enjoying it as much as I was. I’m not ashamed to admit that when the play ended—but the applause and hollers seemed like they wouldn’t—I was a little teary.
Thank you for a fabulous day. Sometimes random childhood dreams can come true.
The geek in me loved every minute of it.
Much Gratitude,
A
