The importance of diversity at the Globe theatre

Image of the Globe theatre by RGY23 and image of theatre masks by Christian Dorn both from Pixabay

Aya Pfeufer explores how inclusive casting creates youth opportunities and enriches the cultural experience

The Globe theatre has long been celebrated for its impact on theatre and its dedication to bringing Shakespeare’s plays to life in a space that reflects the playhouses of the early modern period, while resonating to modern audiences.

In recent years, there has been a shift towards increased diversity in casting across the Globe’s productions. This has changed not only the company’s artistic representation but also its educational and cultural impact. A more inclusive casting, through hiring actors of varied racial, ethnic, class, gender, ability and socio-economic backgrounds enriches the theatrical experience. It also defies norms about who can play Shakespeare’s characters and influences young people who may be thinking about pursuing a career in the performing arts.

Diverse casting heightens the interpretive possibilities of Shakespeare’s texts. When actors from different cultural backgrounds take on main roles, the plays’ recurring themes – like love, revenge, identity and power – are expressed in different ways. Having homogenous casting in classical theatre can reduce the nuance of an act.

Moreover, having a more inclusive casting urges performers to question social dynamics, subtext and historical parallels more creatively. For audiences, seeing a racially or culturally diverse cast on the Globe stage destabilises expectations and perhaps urges us to raise questions on belonging, otherness and social hierarchy. Such practices suggest that Shakespeare’s language is not the sole preserve of any single demographic but a living art form, available to many voices.

Diverse casting helps break down the view of classical theatre as elitist or exclusionary

The Globe’s approach to embracing more diversity highlights their effort to depict the wide makeup of London and international audiences. Having more diverse casting increases appeal and helps break down the view of classical theatre as elitist or exclusionary, making performances feel more welcoming to people from historically marginalised communities. This inclusivity can also gain more media attention that emphasises the Globe as a progressive cultural institution.

One of the most significant outcomes of diverse casting at the Globe is its positive effect on young people. Representation has always mattered. When young aspiring actors, directors and theatre producers see people who look like them on a prestigious stage, it can inspire and validate their ambitions.

Diverse casting is important as it provides role models making a career in classical theatre seem more attainable. For young adults from underrepresented groups, seeing Shakespeare played by actors of similar backgrounds to them challenges barriers of self-exclusion and encourages them to audition for drama school or take part in theatre workshop.

Apprenticeship programmes are a great way for young people to learn alongside theatre professionals

More diversity in casting often results in more opportunities for young people. The Globe’s education programmes reflect this to help leverage a first step into a career in theatre.

For instance, the Globe has community workshops, apprenticeships and trainee programmes, specifically targeting marginalised young people. When a company is devoted to inclusive casting, it is more likely to invest in outreach that identifies and nurtures talent from non-traditional backgrounds. Apprenticeship programmes are a great way for young people to learn hands-on skills alongside theatre professionals.

Diverse casting helps shed light on new talents, with different physicalities and traditions, in Globe productions. This is seen in the production of Twelfth Night, where Cesario wore an androgynous African outfit. Exposure to various performance styles, such as a different cultural practice, helps build adaptability. Also, it can expose young people to more innovative practices on stage, making aspiring actors more versatile to work in different environments.