Shakespeare-inspired Free Public Art in Shoreditch
- Nyla Sammons
- Dec 2, 2024
- 2 min read
Updated: Dec 3, 2024
Shakespeare enthusiasts, head to the Stage in Shoreditch to see their newest art installation, Winter’s Ethereal Glow. You’ll be able to enjoy a series of window displays inspired by scenes of The Winter’s Tale, created with Global Street Art.
The first window will make use of an intricate silhouette technique, with cutouts layered on top of each other and illuminated such that they cast dynamic shadows, adding depth and movement to the scene. In the central window, delicate die-cut wooden panels will be paired with vibrant coloured Perspex, using lighting and reflective materials to form a dazzling display of colour, thus creating a modern stained-glass effect to visually tell the story of key moments from the play.
It is worth noting that the Stage is intrinsically linked to Shakespeare: the remains of the Curtain Playhouse have been excavated within its very grounds! Shakespeare’s acting troupe used the theater as their base for 2 years, before moving on to the Globe. The exact location of the theater was lost, and unknown until 2011, when the archeological discovery was made. As such, the Museum of Shakespeare will open in 2025, within the remains of the Curtain Playhouse at the Stage.
Artistically, Winter’s Ethereal Glow is therefore at an interesting junction between tradition and modernity. The innovative techniques used to design the window displays enable a new approach to the timeless, universal themes of The Winter’s Tale: time, change, and renewal, power of redemption and healing. Perfect topics to reflect on during the festive season, especially in such a historically meaningful location.
From Wednesday 4th December, visitors are invited to watch the installations as they are being set up. The ‘Winter’s Ethereal Glow’ windows will be completed and open for full public viewing from Monday 9th December, and the display will be in place until January 2025.
Address: 22 Hewett Street, Shoreditch, London EC2A 3NL
Written by Alexandra Herlaut Reinhardt
Photography courtesy of The Stage
