Bard on the Beach is back under the white tents at Vanier Park, continuing it’s legacy as Western Canada’s Largest Shakespeare Festival for another year.
Over the years Bard on the Beach has sought to bring the works of Shakespeare, and related material, to its stages while keeping the adaptations fresh and innovative. The BMO Mainstage has been home to some of The Bard’s best known works, in recent years including; Romeo & Juliet, Merry Wives of Windsor, Macbeth, Taming of the Shrew, Hamlet and more. While the intimate Howard Family Stage and Douglas Campbell Theatre Tent has brought to life some of Shakespeare’s lesser known works; Pericles, Cymbeline, Measure for Measure to name a few. As well, the Howard Family Stage also provides a proving ground for new and creative works that exist within the Shakespearean universe. This year, Shylock by Mark Leiren-Young takes a look into a production of The Merchant of Venice, following the title character behind and in front of the stage.
The 2017 is in previews now with a BMO Mainstage opening night of Much Ado About Nothing on June 15th followed by The Winter’s Tale opening night, June 22nd. For the Howard Family Stage, The Merchant of Venice opens on July 6th and The Two Gentlemen of Verona opening on July 12th. Later in the season, Shylock has its limited run, starting September 7th. The whole season wraps September 23, 2017.
Throughout the season, a host of special events add even more entertainment to the Bard Village tents. Bard-B-Q & Fireworks – a night of food, a performance and the Celebration of Light fireworks festival, Chor Leoni Manely/Fun – the men’s choir bring two nights of music, Opera & Arias : The Barber of Seville performed by the UBC Opera Ensemble with Vancouver Opera Orchestra, Talkback Tuesdays, Wine Wednesdays and more.
For more information about the 2017 Bard on the Beach Shakespeare Festival, visit bardonthebeach.org