A prince with an Oedipus Rex complex. A queen who has her lover killed. A dukes henchman who will save the life of a man whose girlfriend is pregnant if the mans sister has sex with him. And cross-dressing guests who celebrate love at a sumptuous hotel.
Never let it be said that Shakespeare is dull.
This years Bard on the Beach offers four new takes on Shakespeares ability to see through humankinds foibles and strip our souls bare. Ye Olde England makes way for more modern settings of some of his most compelling plays.
Twelfth Night is reset in 1913 at the What You Will Hotel and Spa, where everyone is falling in love with someone who is not exactly who they seem. It previews June 12, 16, 18, 19, 21, 23 and 25 and opens June 26.
In a 21st century world of power and privilege, Hamlet struggles to find the truth about the death of his father and the man who usurped his father both on the throne and in the matrimonial bed. It previews June 13, 14, 15, 20, 22, 27 and 28 and opens June 29.
New Orleans jazz provides the musical backdrop to a 1900s version of Measure for Measure, a dark comedy of hypocrisy, sexual repression and the true nature of justice. It previews July 3, 4, 7 and 10 and opens July 11.
Timothy Findleys Elizabeth Rex reveals the woman behind the powdered mask of Queen Elizabeth I. Alone on the throne and determined to be respected (and feared) as a leader, shes forced to subjugate her feelings for the Earl of Essex on the night before his death. It previews July 5, 6, 9 and 12 and opens July 14.
Other special events include a lecture series on July 15 and 29 and August 12 and 19; the book launch (with sword fight) of Bard Explored: Shakespeares Rebel on July 22; a sit-down salmon barbecue and fireworks viewing on July 27 and 31 and August 3; a wine tasting on August 17; and Viva Verdi! with the UBC Opera Ensemble and members of the Vancouver Opera Orchestra on August 26 and September 2.
Bard on the Beach runs Tues-Sun from June 12 to September 14 under the tents in Vanier Park. Order tickets online at BardOnTheBeach.org or call 604-739-0559.
Check out HOT TICKETS for other June events.
