Mesh-wrapped “Globe Theatre” proposed for travel

As recently reported in the Architect’s Newspaper, Angus Vail, a rock music business manager from New Zealand, wants to build a Shakespearean Globe Theater in Detroit. “But rather than a heavy timber and plaster structure, like the 16th century version, he wants to build it out of shipping containers.”

Working with New York-based Perkins Eastman architecture firm, Vail’s design of a theater in the round could host everything from Shakespeare to punk rock and travel across the country. Almost the same dimensions as the original, the Container Globe would be constructed primarily out of 20-foot shipping containers. “These containers would be cut to provide box seating, while additional 40-foot containers would make up the thrust stage. Walkways and stairwells would surround the seating, also like the original layout. The entire structure would then be wrapped in a flexible steel mesh.”

According to Perkins Eastman, Container Globe could be broken down, packed up, and shipped to its next city gig, with the main advantage that it can be brought into under-served neighborhoods where access to the performing arts may be lacking.