Ramadan Iftar at Shakespeare’s Globe honors Islamic influence on bard’s world

By Aysu Bicer

LONDON (AA) — On Sunday evening, hundreds of Muslims and non-Muslims came together at the iconic Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre on South Bank to break their fast and celebrate Ramadan, as part of the Ramadan Tent Project’s annual Open Iftar event.

This gathering marked a moment of unity, fostering connection and understanding among people from diverse backgrounds.

Since 2013, the Ramadan Tent Project has been organizing Open Iftar fast-breaking events in the Muslim holy month of Ramadan as a way to bring together communities and encourage dialogue about Islam.

These events allow people from different walks of life to share a meal, learn more about the faith, and celebrate the spirit of compassion and solidarity during Ramadan.

Iftar, which takes place after the evening call to prayer at sundown, marks the end of the daily fast for Muslims, and is typically an occasion for family and friends to come together.

The Globe Theatre, renowned for its historic connection to Shakespeare, served as a fitting venue for the event, especially given its embrace of diverse cultures, including Muslim heritage.

Stella Kanu, CEO of Shakespeare’s Globe, expressed the significance of hosting such an event, highlighting its role in bringing people together during a time of reflection, prayer, and introspection.

"It's a moment for us to, in a period where there’s a lot of reflection, a lot of introspection, a lot of prayer, for us to take a moment together under this banner of connection," Kanu told Anadolu.

"That’s really important for us at Shakespeare’s Globe. We're a space that is open, we're in the open air, and we're interested in moments when people can gather together as a community, and this open iftar gives us an opportunity to do that."

Kanu also reflected on the success of last year’s event, noting the excitement generated by the gathering and the sense of joy it brought to the team and volunteers.

"In 2023, we had our first Open Iftar, and the excitement amongst the team, our volunteers and what it did to animate our space as a place of welcome meant that we were really excited to try and do it again. So this year, we were determined that we were going to have it," she said. "We've got great weather today, so it's not raining, which is perfect."

The event emphasized the importance of community, connection, and cultural understanding, with Kanu remarking on how vital it is for the Globe to be a place of inclusivity.

"It becomes important to us that we are a space of friendship and gathering and one that recognizes everybody within the community. So for us, it's important. We feel that it's part of our role and our duty to open our doors for moments like this."

- Historical connection between Islam and Shakespeare’s work

Shakespeare’s plays contain numerous references to Islamic motifs, highlighting the influence of Islamic culture on Elizabethan society and drama.

For instance, “The Merchant of Venice” and “Othello” are deeply intertwined with Islamic themes and characters.

The term “Saracen,” used during Shakespeare’s time to denote Muslims, appears in several of his plays, reflecting the period’s perceptions and interactions with Islamic societies.

In “Othello,” the protagonist is a Moor — a term often associated with Muslims from North Africa.

The play explores themes of race, religion, and cultural identity, offering insight into Elizabethan views on Islam and its followers.

Similarly, “Henry VI” includes references to the Muslim Prophet Muhammad, illustrating the playwright’s engagement with Islamic figures within a Christian context.

Kanu pointed out that the presence of Muslims in the UK is not a recent development, and this connection can even be seen in the works of Shakespeare.

"Earlier, one of the other speakers was talking about Othello, and how in Othello, we see the connection between the Islamic world. And what we know is that the presence of Muslims in the UK, in London is not something that has just happened," she said.

"We can see in Shakespeare's work the presence of Muslim culture and Muslim characters. So there is a strong connection there that we often try and amplify here. So there is an embrace of Islamic culture in Shakespeare, and yes, he gave a very clear account of how that exists in Othello," she added.

- 'I am fasting in solidarity with people in Gaza during Ramadan'

For attendees, the event was a meaningful and refreshing experience. Laura, a participant fasting in solidarity with people in Gaza during Ramadan, expressed her joy at attending her first Iftar celebration.

"I’m very happy to be here. I’m also fasting this Ramadan, just in solidarity with people in Gaza, but I tend to do the iftar on my own, so this is the first time I’ve come to a celebration, and it’s really nice to be with a lot of people. It’s different when you’re with other people breaking the fast ... I feel light and happy and inspired."

Another attendee who was came to the event for the third time, shared their perspective on the significance of the gathering.

"It’s very special for me ... I’m from Brazil, and it’s something different from our culture. And yes, it’s a pleasure to be here, especially in the Globe."