Dunedin’s Globe Theatre Marks 65 Years with a Historic Return to Verona

The Globe Theatre marks its 65th year by restaging its opening play, Romeo and Juliet, featuring original 1961 cast members and a local Otago farming twist.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 8, 2026, 5:41 AM EDT

Source: RNZ Pacific

A Legacy Built on Foundations and Family

Founded in 1961 by theatre enthusiasts Patric and Rosalie Carey, The Globe was literally carved out of their own home. Original cast member Richard Stedman recalls the early days of digging foundations and nailing the structure together alongside a community of volunteers. The 1961 production was a true family affair for Stedman; his mother played the nurse, and his brothers worked backstage. For the 65th anniversary, Stedman returns to the stage to perform the prologue, starring alongside his granddaughter, Maegan Stedman-Ashford, who takes on the role of Tybalt.

From Italy to the Tussocks: A Local Adaptation

Director Brent Caldwell has opted for a creative "Dunedin twist" for this landmark season. While the dialogue remains true to The Bard, the setting has been moved from the streets of Verona to the rugged farming landscapes of southwestern Otago. The "ancient grudge" now unfolds between two feuding farming families, a nod to the local environment that has sustained the theatre for 65 years. Caldwell emphasizes that this setting honors the period of New Zealand history in which the theatre was established.

Transformative Analysis: The Endurance of Community Theatre

The Globe Theatre’s 65-year survival is a testament to the resilience of community-led arts in New Zealand. At a time when national discussions regarding the compulsory status of Shakespeare in the curriculum are ongoing, and youth arts programs face funding cuts, The Globe serves as a mechanical necessity for cultural preservation. By involving original cast members like Stedman and former broadcaster Dougal Stevenson, the theatre reinforces the "living history" of Dunedin. This production demonstrates that Shakespeare remains a versatile tool for reflecting local identity, proving that stories written hundreds of years ago can still resonate when placed in a modern, rural Kiwi context.