All the World's a Stage

I'm pretty sure I time traveled today. Being in the Globe and watching a performance of Titus Andronicus was surreal. In spite the of the blood and gore that was promised to us by everyone we met it was an amazing production. I'll be honest I was nervous about what the 3 hours would hold but once I set my mind that I might not get this chance again, I was excited to take it all in. Being in the cozy theater and looking up to see the thatched roof I could imagine what it was like back in Shakespeare's day. These people loved their theater and rightfully so. It was one of the most impressive things I've ever seen and what makes it even more amazing was (at least I imagine) how accurate it was. The costumes, the stage direction, the acting, and the effects created an awe inspiring play. I truly understand why every teacher I've ever had has said "Shakespeare's plays were meant to be performed and not read." They are so right. Shakespeare was a genius. I knew that but today I saw it for myself. At one point my friend said to me, "How did he come up with this stuff?" and she hit the nail on the head. He was the original, the best. I have had a love/hate relationship with Shakespeare throughout Jr. High and High School but no more. I love his works, plays and sonnets alike. I'll admit they are difficult to read sometimes but it is worth it to see them up close and personal. Today I was in the shoes of the groundlings, the commoners of Europe that came to the theater to escape their troubles like I have said before. That was how Shakespeare intended for his works to be experienced and I am so thankful for the opportunity.