Shakespeare's Globe Theatre announce 2004 Performance Schedule

Shakespeare's Globe Theatre announce 2004 Performance Schedule

Shakespeare's Globe has announced its 2004 Performance Schedule, which will run from 7 May to 26 September 2004 and explore the theme of star-crossed lovers in three of Shakespeare's plays: Romeo and Juliet, Much Ado About Nothing and Measure for Measure.

Both Romeo and Juliet and Measure for Measure will be original practices productions, exploring the clothing, music, dance and settings possible in the Globe of Shakespeare's time. Both plays will be performed by mixed companies of men and women, while Much Ado About Nothing will be performed by an all-female cast.

Public booking opens on 12 February 2004.

Romeo And Juliet
(From 7 May to 26 Sep 04)
Directed by Tim Carroll, and starring Kananu Kirimi (Juliet).
A violent street brawl between their rival families is the prelude to Romeo's first meeting with Juliet. Despite this, and the fact that Juliet has been promised to another man in marriage, a love is born between them.
Can the relationship survive against the background of enmity between Capulet and Montague? The threat of death hangs over both families, should they dare to disturb the peace again and some, including Juliet's cousin Tybalt, will not be easily held in check by talk or threats.
Hoping for the best, Romeo and Juliet seek to seal their union and their happiness. But when violence erupts on the streets once again, the young lovers are left searching desperately for a way out, and turn to Friar Laurence.

Much Ado About Nothing
(From 23 May to 25 Sep 04)
Directed by Tamara Harvey.
After a period of war, Don Pedro, Prince of Aragon, has successfully concluded a peace with his bastard brother, Don John. Arriving at the house of Leonato in Messina, Don Pedro and his retinue turn their thoughts from war to love, and a happy match is foreseen between Claudio, one of Don Pedro's men, and Hero, Leonato's daughter.
At the same time, a plan is afoot to bring about a more unlikely pairing. Whilst Beatrice and Benedick are engaged in a stubborn battle of wit and will, Don Pedro seeks to unite the two as lovers.
Meanwhile, the satanic presence of Don John, avenging himself on his brother, seeks to divide the fragile love of Hero and Claudio. Friar Francis, Dogberry and his night watch are left in the middle to make the peace.

Measure For Measure
(From 18 June to 24 Sep 04)
Directed by John Dove, and starring Mark Rylance (Vincentio).
Vincentio, Duke of Vienna, departs from his kingdom suddenly and inexplicably, resigning power to his deputy Angelo in his absence. Under Angelo's rule, a vigorous campaign against lechery and sexual licence begins.
It seems that love is no defence under the newly-fortified laws, and one of the first to suffer is Claudio, arrested and sentenced to death for making his lover, Juliet, pregnant before making her his wife.
In desperation, Claudio sends for his sister Isabella, hoping that her virtuous pleading can move the rigid Angelo to repeal his sentence. But when Angelo demands a higher price than Isabella is prepared to pay, it becomes evident that not only love, but justice, is at risk.
The Duke returns disguised as Friar Ludovico, but will he intervene to spare his people from the not-so-upright Angelo, and how can he respond when young lovers are imprisoned alongside brothel keepers and bawds?