Shakespeare in the Park

Aside from writing, one of my great loves is acting. For over twenty years I have been involved with the plays of Shakespeare in the Park. I have worked backstage and on stage and as an Assistant Director in several productions.

At the moment we are in the final week of performances for The Scottish Play. The play, M****** shall not be named due to theatre and actor superstitions. The director doesn’t believe in the superstition but nevertheless, we have had injuries, blown lights, sound issues and the annihilation of our set due to a hurricane. Our opening night was rained out. A bit strange, yes? It is said that the play is cursed because Shakespeare used actual incantations in the witches’ scenes. Hmmmm….. Nasty bit of business.

All that aside, for twenty-five years the performances  in the park have been stellar, with great actors telling the stories and making the language live for modern audiences.

It seems Shakespeare’s plays were meant to be performed outside, under the stars. There is no other theatre experience like it. The audience may brings chairs and/or blankets, a picnic and a beverage of choice to sit in the amphitheater and enjoy the experience with the moon shining through the trees.

“...the play’s the thing…”

                        Hamlet, Act 2, Scene 2