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Theater That Staged Shakespeare's 1st Plays Found

Curtain Theatre believed to have seen debut of 'Henry V'

By the Associated Press

Posted Jun 6, 2012 8:57 AM CDT

(AP) – Archaeologists say they have discovered the remains of an Elizabethan theater where some of William Shakespeare's plays were first performed. Experts from the Museum of London have uncovered a yard and gallery walls from the Curtain Theatre in Shoreditch, just east of London's business district. The Curtain opened in 1577 and was home to Shakespeare's company, the Lord Chamberlain's Men, until the Globe Theatre was built across the river two years later.

Plays premiered at the Curtain are thought to include Henry V, which famously describes the structure as "this wooden O." Further excavation is planned, and a real estate company redeveloping the site said today it plans to preserve the remains. In 2008, archaeologists found remains of an even earlier playhouse, known simply as The Theatre, nearby.

An archaeologist undertakes excavation work at the Curtain Theatre in October 2011. The theater is where some of William Shakespeare's plays were first performed.
An archaeologist undertakes excavation work at the Curtain Theatre in October 2011. The theater is where some of William Shakespeare's plays were first performed.   (AP Photo/Museum of London Archaeology)
A newly discovered portrait of William Shakespeare, presented by the Shakespeare Birthplace trust, in central London, Monday March 9, 2009.
A newly discovered portrait of William Shakespeare, presented by the Shakespeare Birthplace trust, in central London, Monday March 9, 2009.   (AP Photo/Lefteris Pitarakis)
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