The Globe Theater has asked for the help of theater lovers around the world to help them survive through the global pandemic.
The current building was reconstructed in 1997, after the original theater where many of Shakespeare’s plays were performed burned down in the 17th century.
In it online plea for financial support, the theater management explained that they are a completely private organization. Because they are non-governmental, the Globe Theater does not receive any of the almost $200 million the British government has put forth to support cultural institutes.
Prior to the pandemic, the theater sustained itself financially via ticket sales and workshops. With all those income sources prohibited as in-contact interactions have been banned, the theater has no means of supporting itself except for donations for aficionados.
In an interview with BBC radio, the theater’s artistic director explained that the former tourist hotspot is going through the same troubles that all freelancers around the world are going through during this unprecedented time.
The director explained that since the organization is not generating any income, it can only survive until the bank reserves sustain the maintenance costs. Although he did not give a specific number, the desperate pleas uploaded on its website suggests that the end may be near.
Although it is not part of the government’s jurisdiction, British parliament’s Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) committee is fully aware of the difficulties that the theater is going through.
The chairman of the DCMS, Julian Knight, had specifically pointed to the Globe Theater as one of the many private cultural institutes that are facing severe financial challenges caused by the lockdown measures.
Knight explained how the theater has been hit the hardest, as most of their revenue can only be generated via in-person contacts. If the Globe were to close, the impacts that the closure will have will be great both financially and symbolically.
In a response to the government’s statement, the CEO of the theater thanked them for acknowledging the difficulties, but also mentioned that additional measures must be taken to keep them afloat.
Emphasizing the importance and significance that the Globe Theater has in the British national identity, the CEO said that more aggressive measures to support non-government operated facilities must be taken.
What are your thoughts on this story? Share them with us in the comments below, and be sure to follow us on Facebook for more news like this one.
Replaced!