Make Art, Not War

"Organizers of The New Globe Theater, the not-for-profit group proposing to build an Elizabethan-style theatre within Castle Williams on Governors Island in New York Harbor, learned recently that the National Park Service is no longer considering the idea of the Shakespearean venue in the island's national monument" (Playbill).

For most of its history Castle Williams was used as a military prison.  In a stroke of genius the New Globe organizers proposed building a Globe theatre transformed by modern architecture and technology within the walls of the ancient prison, with the community of actors living on the Island.  It has the potential to be a cultural and educational center, but now the National Park Service has abandoned the proposal. 

But it is not too late to make voices concerned with the future of the arts heard.  At the New Globe Theatre web site you can learn more about the project, watch a brief film about the plans for the New Globe, and take the opportunity to help by taking action during the 60-day comment period which will end March 18.  For those living in the New York area, there will be a public hearing on Monday, March 10th, at Federal Hall (26 Wall Street) from 5-7pm.  Take this opportunity to support this wonderful project.
 

Comments

[Rob Walker]

As I read the New Globe Theater's proposal I was shocked that anyone would think it a good idea to destroy American History and a section of a National Monument that is owned by every taxpayer in the United States for their own purposes. They say they are going to make the changes reversible which is just a comical statement. Some of the same people that wish to destroy Castle Williams to serve their need also want us to believe that taxpayers should send donations to help save Ellis Island. It just goes to show that they are not for the preservation of our History at least not when it could benefit them. They also claim they want to use Castle Williams because it it similar to the Theater they are trying to recreate in England. So basically they want to destroy American history to recreate English History? What kind of sense does thaat make. Why not build this theater in England where it belongs? Why? because it is easier and more convienient to destroy OUR history. I also can not believe the politicians that have signed on to support this. It goes to prove just how much the revere our Country and it's history. If the New Globe Theater is allowed to basicaly steal a historic treasure from the taxpayers of the United States of America, it will be a total injustice to every person that fought for theis Nation and served on the Island and in Castle Williams.