Globe of the Great Southwest

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Located in Odessa, Texas, the Globe of the Great Southwest is a replica of William Shakespeare's original Globe Theatre. In addition, the complex also features a replica of Anne Hathaway's Cottage. Both buildings are located on the campus of Odessa College.

The Globe Theatre is a non-profit organization presenting classical and modern plays on an Elizabethan stage. The Globe hosts community theater performances, monthly country-western shows called The Brand New Opree, and other community activities. The Anne Hathaway Library next door, a replica of the cottage in which Shakespeare's wife lived, houses displays of special interest to Shakespeare fans. Full-time theatre activity began in the fall of 1968.

The current Artistic Director of the Globe of the Great Southwest is Mr. Anthony Ridley. The Managing Director of the theatre is Ms. Cynthia White, and Kathryn Graybill serves as Artist Manager. Office Staff members include Ann Wilson, Office Manager & Corine Berry, Bookkeeper.

[edit] History of the Globe of the Great Southwest

The idea behind The Globe of the Great Southwest was first conceived in an English class at Odessa High School in the late 1950s:

A student brought to class a model of Shakespeare's Globe Theatre and commented to his instructor, Mrs. Marjorie Morris, then teaching in high school, that it would be exciting to have an actual life-size replica of the Globe right here in Odessa. This casual remark caught the imagination of Mrs. Morris and fired her with a zeal which eventually made her dream a reality.^[1]

The Globe Theatre organization and fundraising efforts for construction were begun in 1958, and construction was completed as funds were raised and became available. The theatre was completed and began its first season in 1968.

Like its original, Elizabethan predecessor, the theatre is octagonal in design and seats 418. The unique shape and construction materials of the theatre (wood and plaster) combine to give the theatre nearly perfect acoustics. The 1800 square-foot stage is thrust into the audience to create an intimate actor-audience relationship, similar to that in Shakespeare's day when groundlings paid a penny to stand in a semi-circle at the actors' feet.

From the balconies "the viewer has an unobstructed view of the entire stage at a 40 degree angle. The interior, with its rich British red carpeting and upholstered seats, and its warm London dock lanterns, makes each visit a memorable and aesthetic experience.^[2]