We have been enjoying the free Shakespeare in Griffith Park by The Independent Shakespeare Company for several years now. We have seen The Winter’s Tale, The Merry Wives of Windsor, A Midsummer Night’s Dream and Much Ado About Nothing. The Independent Shakespeare Company always puts on an excellent and entertaining show, especially on lovely Summer nights under the star (and often with the coyotes calling from the surrounding hills.)
This Summer brings 3 shows in repertory, 2 Shakespeare and 1 from the same period. The Season starts with She Stoops to Conquer by Oliver Godlsmith. Then the darkness rolls in with the Scottish Play, Macbeth and then joined 1 month later with As You Like It with its famous lines,
“All the world’s a stage,
And all the men and women merely players;
They have their exits and their entrances,
And one man in his time plays many parts,
His acts being seven ages.”
Why not join us in seeing these shows this Summer? No tickets (or money) required (although tips are gratefully accepted to fund the company). Bring your chairs and your dinner. Come early and enjoy the sunset and a great show. I know we’ll be there.
2013 Productions
She Stoops to Conquer (by Oliver Goldsmith) opens June 27
Mr. Marlowe is a catch. Handsome. Rich. Witty. There’s only one problem: among the ladies in his circle he stammers, stumbles and can’t look them in the eye. In the company of a barmaid or a serving-woman, however, he’s a smooth operator. What’s a guy like that to do when he’s called upon to woo the lovely, fashionable, and most decidedly upper-class Kate Hardcastle? And how will the clever Kate respond?
This 18th-century comedy has it all. Romance, mistaken identity, a thrilling chase scene, and a love song to liquor. It’s a big-hearted, exhuberant romp and the perfect way to spend a summer evening in the park.
Macbeth opens July 5
Macbeth, a great warrior, lives in an era of violence. He is beloved by his King and respected by his friends. But when he has an otherworldly encounter, he is seduced by a vision of power. As he and his wife give in to their deepest yearnings, they make a chilling discovery: once opened, the gates of hell are very hard to close.
Quite a bit of blood completes Shakespeare’s tale of inappropriate desire and dire consequences. It may not be appropriate for young children.
As You Like It opens August 1
What would you do if you could break all the rules?
One of Shakespeare’s most popular comedies tells the story of a kingdom in disorder. Its rightful leader is banished, a young man is denied his due by his malevolent elder brother, and a woman is exiled from the place that has always been her home. All of their paths lead away from the “painted pomp” of the court into the heart of the forest of Arden. It’s a place where natural laws outweigh the laws of man and the force of love reigns supreme. As bitter winter passes into the bloom of spring, the residents of Arden discover that transformation is always possible, and sometimes the disguises we wear are the best way to discover who we are.