Shakespeare’s Globe has recently announced an exciting winter season lineup for 2026, featuring notable productions that highlight both classic and contemporary themes. Central to this season are two prominent works: Shakespeare’s own The Tempest and the UK premiere of Deep Azure, an evocative play by the late Chadwick Boseman. This report delves into the details of these productions, their significance, and the artistic vision behind them.
The Tempest: A New Production
Kicking off the 2026 winter season will be a fresh rendition of The Tempest, directed by the acclaimed Tim Crouch. This production is scheduled to run from January 17 to April 12 at the Sam Wanamaker Playhouse. One of the unique features of this production is its design, led by Rachana Jadhav, while the music will be directed by the talented Orlando Gough. Naomi Wirthner takes on the challenging role of Ariel, bringing a new nuance to this iconic character.
Crouch’s insights into the Globe’s productions are particularly engaging. He emphasizes the venue’s intimate architectural style, which he believes supports rather than obscures the stories being told. This philosophy reinforces a core tenet of the Globe’s mission: to create a shared experience between performers and audiences, enhancing the emotional depth of the plays. Crouch’s direction promises to be both innovative and respectful of Shakespeare’s original work while offering fresh interpretations suitable for contemporary audiences.
Deep Azure: A Reflective Narrative
Following The Tempest, the winter season will feature the UK premiere of Deep Azure, a piece that holds particular significance given its origins. Written by Chadwick Boseman, an Academy Award-nominated actor known for his powerful performances, this play examines heavy themes such as police brutality and personal grief. Directed by Tristan Fynn-Aiduenu, this production is expected to resonate deeply with modern audiences.
The narrative centers on a young woman named Azure, whose life is turned upside down following the tragic death of her fiancé, Deep, at the hands of law enforcement. Fynn-Aiduenu has described the play as "a beautifully precious gem," emphasizing the urgency with which Boseman approaches topics of systemic injustice and the nuances of black identity. This makes Deep Azure a significant addition to the repertoire of works celebrating Black voices and experiences within the arts.
Fynn-Aiduenu illustrated the fusion of hip-hop culture and Shakespearean influences in the narrative, positioning Deep Azure as a modern epic that pays homage to both its literary heritage and the realities of contemporary society. This duality invites audiences to reflect on broader societal issues while immersing themselves in a deeply personal story.
Artistic Vision and Community Engagement
Michelle Terry, the artistic director at Shakespeare’s Globe, expressed her excitement for the upcoming season. She stated, “This season offers a chance to captivate, enchant, and inspire as the nights draw in…” Her comment highlights the Globe’s commitment to providing enriching cultural experiences during the winter months when audiences may feel a sense of coldness or lethargy.
The setting of the Sam Wanamaker Playhouse, candlelit and intimate, adds a unique atmosphere to both productions, enhancing the emotional engagement with the material. This artistic vision underscores the Globe’s goal of creating a space where audiences can experience powerful storytelling that resonates with their own lives and communities.
Importance of Representation
The premiere of Deep Azure also signals an important step toward diversifying the narratives presented on stages across the UK. By bringing works by Global Majority writers to the forefront, Shakespeare’s Globe is acknowledging the importance of varied perspectives within theater. Fynn-Aiduenu’s directorial debut marks a promising opportunity to explore these narratives, especially in a venue renowned for its historical significance and commitment to storytelling.
Terry’s statement about how these “incredible artists will tell old tales anew” reflects a broader commitment to innovation in theater. While The Tempest remains a classic, its interpretations can evolve alongside contemporary issues, prompting renewed discussions about power, colonization, and redemption.
Conclusion
Shakespeare’s Globe’s 2026 winter season promises to be a compelling blend of the old and the new, juxtaposing the timelessness of Shakespeare’s work with the urgent, modern narrative of Deep Azure. Both productions will not only entertain but provoke thought and discussion among audiences, reinforcing the venue’s mission to uphold the power of live theater.
As the Globe continues to explore the intersections between classic literature and contemporary social issues, it cultivates an environment ripe for introspection and dialogue. This winter season will undoubtedly contribute to the ongoing narrative of theater as a vital space for reflection, engagement, and empowerment within our communities. In embracing diverse voices and innovative storytelling methods, Shakespeare’s Globe reaffirms its relevance and significance in today’s cultural landscape, lighting the way through the metaphorical darkness of the winter months.
