A sure sign of Summer in the City is when the tents pop up at Vanier Park signalling the start of the Bard on the Beach Shakespeare Festival season. Always on the of the best ways to spend a summer evening, Bard on the Beach brings world class Shakespeare performance to the Vancouver waterfront. The 2016 season is now on with previews of Romeo and Juliet, leading to Opening Night on Friday June 10.
Since 1990 countless performers have taken to the Bard stage and this year will see another troupe of players bringing four more Shakespeare plays to life on the Festival’s two stages; BMO Mainstage and the Howard Family Stage in the Douglas Campbell Theatre.
Each stage features two plays in rotation. Plus throughout the year, Bard On The Beach presents special events and performances.
The 2016 Bard On The Beach Season includes:
BMO Mainstage :
Romeo & Juliet: directed by Kim Collier, opens June 3
The classic Shakespearian tale of star-crossed lovers from feuding families opens the 2016 Festival
The Merry Wives of Windsor : directed by Johnna Wright, opens June 17
First staged in 2012, The Merry Wives of Windsor returns to the Mainstage bigger and better. Set in the 1960’s Windsor, Ontario Sir John Falstaff sets out to seduce the Merry Wives to the tune of 60’s popular music.
Howard Family Stage :
Othello : directed by Bob Frazer, opens June 24
Othello tells of battle, betrayal, love and jealousy set amidst the violent upheaval and race relations of the American Civil War.
Pericles : directed by Lois Anderson, opens July 2
The ancient world’s pagan culture finds a tale of family secrets, lost love, new loves and redemption
Special Performances: just some of the special events taking place throughout the season
Talk Back Tuesdays – each Tuesday
Popular free post-performance question and answer sessions with the players
Wine Wednesdays – July 13, August 10, September 7
Intimate pre-show tastings in the Bard Village with a different winemaker each night along with special guests.
Bard-B-Q & Fireworks – July 23, 27 & 30
Enjoy an early performance followed by a salmon bbq and an exclusive view of the Celebration of Lights Fireworks Festival
Choir Leoni – Mane Stages – June 20 & 27 (2 shows each day)
Vancouver’s famed men’s choir takes over the BMO Mainstage on this popular event
Vancouver Symphony at The Bard – July 11 & 18
Enjoy the classic sounds of Vancouver Symphony Orchestra under the Bard tents.
Opera and Arias : The Magic Flute – August 29 & September 5 (2 shows each day)
UBC Opera Ensemble bring Mozart’s classic to the Bard stage
Even on regular nights, arrive early and take in all the Bard Village has to offer, browse the shop, grab a glass of wine, explore the history of Bard and enjoy the Vanier Park setting.
For a full line-up of events, showtimes and tickets visit bardonthebeach.org