Shakespeare’s Globe: 2009 Season

Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre recently announced the 2009 season of plays, which they’re calling “Young Hearts“.  This year’s slate of plays present some fantastic opportunities for us as theatre-goers. At the “heart” of this year’s theme, no doubt, is the much-loved and often-taught Romeo & Juliet, that well-known play of star-crossed lovers.  In fact, those of you who pay attention to these things may remember that the Baz Lurhmann’s film verion of Romeo & Juliet (with Leonardo & Claire) includes Kim Mazelle’s wonderful song “Young Hearts Run Free“.

It is perhaps hard to think of the theater and not think of the famous Bard.  No doubt, this summer’s other offerings will also offer us tremendous insight into Shakespeare’s work, the workings of theatre, and the joy of watching great literature performed on stage.  Perhaps no other Shakespeare play offers the fun and frolic of the mistaken identity quite like As You  Like It.  Love awry and hilarity ensues! Sadly, we won’t be in London for Troilus & Cressida or Love’s Labors Lost.

No doubt we’ll be have a great time this summer as we stand like Groundlings and watch the plays!

England’s Funny Place Names

In the New York Times, Sarah Lyall’s story “No Snickering” reports on  the strange (to us, at least) place names that you’ll find throughout London and the English countryside.  It’s hard to argue that our different words for different things can cause confusion.  Certainly, no one in the U.S. would want to live on “Butt Hole Road”, though it appears that this “butt” is some sort of water container or resevoir. Go figure …

Give NYT article a read!