A new £750 million complex of 412 apartments in a 37-story development named ‘The Stage’ has officially opened in London. The project itself, however, initially made headlines during its development, when archaeologists discovered the remains of a 16th-century Shakespearean theater during excavations.
London has officially opened its new 37-story residential building with over 400 apartments called “The Stage.” However, the new complex made headlines during its initial development after archaeological excavations of the building’s foundation led to an incredible historic discovery.
The archaeologists discovered the remains of the Curtain Theater, a 16th-century Shakespearean theater that initially opened in 1577, however, it was completely lost from all historical records in 1622.
Archaeologists in general are often called on during development and excavation stages of developments in London. However, the team from the Museum of London Archaeology were absolutely shocked to discover this lost theater thought to have hosted premieres for Shakespeare plays like Romeo and Juliet, according to lead archaeologist Chris Thomas.
“This is a fantastic site which gives us unique insight into early Shakespearean theaters.”
Historically speaking, the theater was originally the main arena for Shakespeare’s plays until the Globe was completed in 1599. After the completion of the Globe, the Curtain theater seemingly disappeared from records after 1622.
According to reports from The Guardian, the remains of the Curtain theater have been preserved and will be included in the new Museum of Shakespeare. The website for the museum will utilize AI technology to allow viewers to walk across the exact stage where Shakespeare himself performed as an actor. It’s also supposedly where the first performances of Romeo and Juliet and Henry V took place.
Organizers involved in the preservation process stated that the viewer will see the stage set in 1598, and “retell the life of Shakespeare through dynamic experiences, innovative theatrical technology and archaeological discoveries. The museum is set to open next year, and according to Heather Knight, a senior archaeologist at the Museum of London Archaeology, said the exhibit will include multisensory experiences.
“Leading the excavations on the site of the Curtain, one of London’s earliest and longest-lived playhouses that have transformed our understanding of early modern performance, has been an immense privilege and I am very much looking forward to the next chapter in the history of the Curtain.”
The Curtain is the least documented Shakespeare theater, but one of the biggest facts that’s been recorded about it is that Shakespeare himself acted there, as he was listed as an actor in the first performance of Every Man In His Humor from Ben Jonson in 1598.
David Galman, the sales director for the Stage, said: “We are delighted to unveil the Stage, our striking residential tower now complete. The Stage forms part of a new cultural hub for Londoners, transforming this historic site from Shakespeare’s times into a modern destination for the 21st century.
“Today’s buyers want access to state-of-the-art amenities, and this is where the Stage stands out, with our underground amusement arcade, flexible workspaces and stunning sky terrace overlooking London.
We are very proud to show the lifestyle on offer, an unparalleled experience in a sought-after location. Given the significance of this site, it has been a combined effort with our partners to bring the vision to life into a landmark development for future generations to enjoy.”
Eric Mastrota is a Contributing Editor at The National Digest based in New York. A graduate of SUNY New Paltz, he reports on world news, culture, and lifestyle. You can reach him at eric.mastrota@thenationaldigest.com.
