Shakespeare’s Globe Faces Uncertain Future Amid COVID-19 Pandemic
Financial Crisis
Shakespeare’s Globe, a world-renowned reconstruction of the original Elizabethan theater, faces a dire financial crisis due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The theater, which relies heavily on income from live events, has been shuttered since March and is struggling to stay afloat.
Without a cash influx of at least $7 million, the Globe says it will not survive the year. As a nonprofit organization, the Globe does not receive regular funding from Arts Council England (ACE) and has been ineligible for government emergency funding.
Impact on the Theater Industry
The Globe’s financial crisis is just one example of the devastating impact COVID-19 has had on the theater industry. Other independent British cultural institutions, such as the Old Vic, the Royal Academy, and Royal Albert Hall, face similarly uncertain futures.
Given the time required to prepare shows and the challenges of ensuring social distancing measures, it could take months for London’s performance venues to reopen safely.
Government Response
Parliament and the Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) committee have recognized the threat COVID-19 poses to Great Britain’s theaters. Culture secretary Oliver Dowden has acknowledged the Globe’s significance as “a world-renowned institution and not only part of our national identity, but a leading example of the major contribution the arts make to our economy.”
However, the government has yet to provide sufficient financial support to ensure the Globe’s survival. The theater has appealed to the DCMS committee for assistance, arguing that it has “earned the right to be supported in return through this crisis.”
Public Support
Despite the financial challenges, the Globe has continued to engage with audiences online. The theater has released free, filmed productions of its shows on YouTube, reaching an audience of 1.9 million.
The public response to these online offerings has been overwhelmingly positive, demonstrating the continued appetite for culture during this difficult time. However, the Globe emphasizes that streaming films online cannot replace the income generated by live events.
The Future of Shakespeare’s Globe
The future of Shakespeare’s Globe remains uncertain. The theater faces an uphill battle to secure the necessary financial support to survive the pandemic and reopen safely.
The government’s response to the crisis will be crucial in determining the fate of this iconic cultural institution. The Globe’s artistic director, Michelle Terry, has warned that “a little bit like every freelancer, it’s very hand to mouth. So when that income stops, we have the few reserves we’ve got in the bank. It’s sort of like whatever savings you’ve got, that’s how long you’ll last.”
The Globe’s legacy as a leading example of the arts’ contribution to society is at stake. Its survival is not only a matter of preserving a historical landmark but also of ensuring the continued vitality of the theater industry and the cultural fabric of Great Britain.
