Chapter 81
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Translator: 8uhl
Chapter: 81
Chapter Title: The Globe Theatre
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"I've watched a lot of foreign movies on TV with my mom since I was little. And I talked a ton with Jessica during the last play."
The questions about how my pronunciation could be so good hadn't stopped in this troupe either.
It felt like they wouldn't let it go unless I gave some kind of answer, so I always trotted out the same excuse.
At my words, the troupe members clutched their heads and shook them in disbelief.
"Whoa... Is this what they mean by Korea's early education?"
"They say Korea's thirst for learning is intense. Impressive indeed."
But you shouldn't base it on me.
What if I told you that right here among you is Noah Battenberg, born and raised in this very England, who lived here for twenty-nine years just like you all.
I silently apologized to any Korean kids they might encounter in the future.
"Acting? What kind of early training did you get? Something more realistic than your English path would be nice."
"Yeah. Otherwise, we lifelong actors who only pursued the stage will look pathetic."
Their eyes sparkled with playful teasing, forcing me to say something even more apologetic.
What could I do.
I really hadn't learned it anywhere specific.
But even back as Noah, I hadn't received any formal acting training like Korea's child actor system. I had nothing concrete to say.
I'd simply absorbed it through countless days of conversations with brilliant actors and directors from my past life, plus hands-on stage experience.
"Um, nothing in particular. I went to play at my uncle's theater troupe when I was little, got scouted on the spot, and jumped straight onto the stage."
Groans erupted from all around as soon as I finished.
"Wait, Siu, how old are you now? Five?"
"You debuted on a theater stage even younger than five?"
The shock of being scouted at an even younger age than now must have hit them hard.
Some actors stared at me with expressions bordering on horror, beyond mere admiration.
"Oh... I just replayed my entire acting career in my head."
Even one started seriously reflecting on his past life.
As the actors began to look glum, Jessica slipped in between us with a laugh.
"You all wouldn't believe me, but now you're totally sold on Siu?"
A few actors protested in earnest at her grinning, teasing tone.
"Jessica, you should have pushed harder that he had talent like this."
"Yeah, exactly. Do you know how much we've suffered up till now?"
Jessica shot back that she'd done her part.
Even as they said it, the actors didn't forget to welcome me again.
"Thanks for joining us, Siu. You're the messiah of our team."
"Right. Whatever you need, just say it. Siu's our lead now."
"Not just any lead. Siu's a bona fide genius."
Some shook hands warmly, greeting me anew.
"Oof, we must've looked like such idiots yesterday. Sorry, Siu."
"Yeah, sorry, Siu. Don't think all English people are morons because of us."
"Of course. I don't think that at all."
Others offered sincere apologies.
And after the first ones spoke up, they came one after another, apologizing for yesterday's rudeness.
I accepted their apologies, understanding the anxiety they'd felt.
As I shook hands with each one and lightened the mood, a figure approached stealthily.
"Oh, Gordon."
It was Gordon.
The actors who'd been laughing and crowding around me suddenly pretended to be busy or excused themselves to the bathroom, clearing out.
Since he was the one who'd hurled the harshest words at me yesterday, they were leaving it for me to handle.
I compared Gordon's dazed face from earlier with his current expression.
His face was still stiff, but he seemed more composed now.
I waited silently without speaking first.
After all, he was the one in a hurry, not me.
"Ahem... That... was pretty good?"
"Pretty good?"
That was it? Pretty good?
After seeing my acting, that was the best praise he could muster?
I stared up at Gordon blankly.
Stared so hard it felt like it would bore right through his face.
Gordon took my sharp gaze full-on, unable to speak, and scratched his head.
"Hmph...! At least I don't have to worry about you running off!"
With that, like a shout to no one in particular, Gordon stormed out of the rehearsal room.
Was this as good as it got for today?
He wasn't throwing a tantrum or trying to chase me out with rude words.
I let out a deep sigh and looked up at Jessica.
The actors, who'd been peeking at my standoff with Gordon while pretending not to, crept back toward me.
"It's fine, Siu. Gordon's terrible at this stuff."
"Siu, it's okay to think Gordon's an idiot."
"Yeah. Even we think he was in the wrong. He must be too embarrassed to come over right away."
Jessica and the actors made excuses that weren't really excuses for me.
They seemed worried I'd been hurt.
But I'd half-expected Gordon to act this way, so it didn't faze me.
"Hmm? I'm fine. He'll get it once we act together."
I was confident, so it truly didn't matter.
Honestly acknowledging someone's skill could be the foundation for his growth.
Jessica, surprised at my maturity, smiled proudly and ruffled my hair.
"Calling you was truly a stroke of genius."
"It was."
My prim reply drew a burst of loud laughter from the actors surrounding us.
And so, with a bit of lively chaos, my life in England truly began.
After rehearsal, Jessica asked.
"Siu, anywhere you've wanted to visit since coming to England?"
"Hm, West End!"
My immediate answer made Jessica say great, let's go.
We rode in Joey Su's car to West End, the holy land of London theater.
"Siu, slow down. You'll get soaked."
I'd missed it stuck in the rehearsal room, but outside it was drizzling steadily.
Luckily, there was a spare umbrella in Joey Su's trunk.
Jessica took one, and I shared with Joey Su as we walked.
Wow, it's changed so much. I wouldn't recognize it.
As I excitedly took in the sights, I froze in front of one theater building.
"Uh... uh...?"
No way.
I stared up at the weathered theater in shock, awe, and nostalgia.
"Globe Theatre...?"
That's right.
Standing before my eyes was none other than the Globe Theatre.
The landmark theater of London from hundreds of years ago, home to Shakespeare and Richard Burbage!
"Oh, you know it too, Siu. Yeah, the one Shakespeare co-managed. Still impressive, right?"
Jessica explained something, but it didn't register in my ears at all.
Over four hundred years ago, the grandest theater on the street had become one of West End's oldest surviving stages.
When I'd just stepped out of the car, I wasn't even sure this was West End.
So much had changed that I doubted if the street under my feet was the one I remembered.
The roads were all paved nicely, and the buildings encircling the area gleamed with modern sophistication.
Based on my old memories, I'd never navigate it alone.
But gazing at the theater before me now, those ancient recollections flooded my mind like a film reel.
At the edge of memory, the tragic final news of the Globeconsumed in cruel flameshit me, and I gasped sharply.
My whole body shuddered as if frozen in cold.
Goosebumps too intense for my small frame prickled across my skin.
"W-What's wrong, Siu?"
Jessica beside me noticed and asked in alarm.
With trembling hand, I pointed at the Globe Theatre.
"W-Why is the Globe Theatre here?"
"What?"
"This theater... it definitely burned down."
Joey Su and Jessica exchanged baffled looks as I gaped up at it, mumbling.
The reason I'd broken out in chills like this.
I'd heard the Globe burned down around 1613, when I was locked in the tower.
Trapped there, I'd heard no word of its reconstruction.
"How...? A theater that burned to the ground is standing here good as new...!"
As I grabbed Joey Su in bewildered frenzy, Jessica suddenly perked up, remembering.
"Oh, right! Was it for some stage effect? I think I heard the Globe burned back then. But it was rebuilt after. That's why it's still here. Though the location's a bit different from the original."
"Rebuilt..."
I see.
It must have happened while I was locked away.
The servants bringing my meals barely spoke to me, so it made sense I was out of touch with the outside world.
Lost in thought, Jessica's puzzled voice pierced my ears.
"But... that's a story from over four hundred years ago. How do you know about it, Siu?"
"Ah..."
Oops.
I never imagined something like that happened!
I'd only remembered it burning, and seeing this as the Globe made me blurt out my past life's experiences without thinking.
What now. I rolled my eyes once, then answered Jessica.
"Ah! I think I read about it in a Shakespeare biography...? Maybe?"
"Hmm, really? But modern books should mention the rebuild too."
As Jessica muttered suspiciously, I threw my hands up and shouted.
"Wow! Can we go inside the Globe Theatre? Is there a show today?"
"Hm, it's not a day off for performances."
Joey Su answered, recalling the day of the week.
Still, Jessica checked her watch, looking troubled.
"But it's getting late. Not sure if there's a show we can catch. Want to look around anyway?"
"Yes!"
Phew, successfully changed the subject.
I took Joey Su's hand and followed Jessica into the Globe Theatre.
The soaring ceiling.
The lights adorning it.
These parts weren't much different from before the rebuild.
It felt like I'd returned as Noah. I dazedly scanned the interior.
Meanwhile, Joey Su returned from asking staff, shaking his head regretfully.
"All shows for today are done. Too bad, no performance."
"Can't be helped. We came on a whim."
Jessica muttered about booking tickets next time for me.
I snapped out of my reverie, calling thanks.
"Oh my god. Jessica? Jessica Brown? Is that you?"
Then, a theater staffer spotted us in the quiet lobby and cried out.
Turning, I saw a manager-looking woman, hands over her mouth, stifling excited screams.
"Oh my gosh, I'm a huge fan. Here for our show? How's the RUN run going in England?"
A true fan, she even knew about the current RUN production.
"You bet. Today we're showing our lead actor around West End."
"Ah! The kid lead from this production. Nice to meet you."
"You too."
The manager of the Globe in this era.
I smiled brightly and greeted her warmly.
A total stranger, yet somehow familiar.
"Why don't you tour the inside?"
"You sure? Isn't it closing time?"
"It's a chance to show our theater to Jessica. Take your time. Just one autograph before you go?"
"Of course."
Thanks to the manager's kindness, we headed deeper into the Globe.
To freely explore this place stirring such nostalgia.
My heart pounded uncontrollably at the unexpected gift.
