On June 29, 1613, the hallowed ground of Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre in London transformed into a chaotic pyre during a rowdy performance of Henry VIII.  Picture this: a cannon, misfired in all its reckless glory, spitting fire like some drunken god’s tantrum, igniting the thatched roof in a blaze that roared with apocalyptic fervor.  No one was killed – miraculous, given the mayhem – but the event was a seismic liver-kick to the literary and theatrical cosmos, as the Globe stood as a pulsing hub for the bard’s immortal plays.  The flames licked away history itself, a dramatic loss that left the world gasping.

But here’s the kicker: this wasn’t the end.  From the ashes, like some phoenix with a quill, the Globe rose again, rebuilt in 1614, it’s spirit unbroken.

The original rebuilt Globe Theatre remained in use until it was closed in 1642.  This closure was due to the English Civil War and the Puritan government’s ban on theatrical performances, which lasted until the Restoration in 1660.  The building itself was eventually demolished in 1644 to make way for housing.  This modern replica, known as Shakespeare’s Globe, was constructed between 1993 and 1997, when it opened to the public.  This replica was built about 230 meters (that’s 750 feet to us Americans) from the original location, based on historical evidence, to revive the experience of Elizabethan theater, honoring Shakespeare’s legacy and to serve as a cultural and educational hub for performances and studies of his works.

I visited the replica in 2001.  It was impressive, but I wasn’t aware it was a recently constructed replica until mid-visit.  Thinking it was the original structure rebuilt in 1614, I was impressed to the point of being shocked at how well maintained the thing was.  So upon finding out it was a four-year-old replica, I couldn’t help but be disappointed.  But that was my own fault, and I’ve since come to appreciate this replica as a damn fine thing for England and its culture.

N.P.: “Found Atlas” – AWOLNATION