What to KnowGriffith Park Free Shakespeare FestivalPresented by the Independent Shakespeare Co.The Dell at the top of the Old Zoo in Griffith ParkOpens June 24; Wednesday through Sunday evenings”Coriolanus,” a “taut political thriller” from the Bard, visits the boards on select nights from June 24 through July 26; a merry musical spin on “The Comedy of Errors” runs Aug. 5 through Sept. 6 (also on select nights)Attending is free but please register in advance (registration will open soon); the Independent Shakespeare Co. team needs to know how many people will attend each evening in order to “manage crowds,” a necessity at the Old Zoo Several special nights are on the schedule, including Pride Night on June 27 and a “Swinging Soirée” dress-up event Aug. 29
Even if you’ve committed to seeking out drama-free moments, those flair-filled shows of emotion and feeling-fueled outbursts, you still do love some Shakespearean stories, those big Bard-tastic situations that are prickly and passionate and absolutely brimming with bravado and occasional bawdiness.
Knowing that we can have calmer days and dramatic nights in the summer gives us the will — or perhaps we mean the Will — to carry forward, and much of our enthusiasm rests at the feet of the acclaimed Independent Shakespeare Co.
This is the innovative troupe behind the Griffith Park Free Shakespeare Festival, an annual leafy lark that is packed with panache and fabulous performances and off-stage splendor and themed nights that give audience members the opportunity to show off some of their snazzy style.
The festival returns June 24 with “Coriolanus” for the political fans and devotees of intense drama, with a glamourous musical take on “The Comedy of Errors” stepping into the spotlight beginning Aug. 5.
Mike DitzMike Ditz
Brent Charles stars in “Coriolanus”; the “taut political thriller” opens at the Dell at the top of the Old Zoo June 24.
It’s all taking powerful and playful place in the dell area of Griffith Park’s Old Zoo, and if you are familiar with the lovely location, you know it is not particularly vast.
With this in mind, the theater company is asking that prospective attendees register in advance, so the team knows how many people to expect on a given night. Registration will soon open at the Independent Shakespeare Co. site.
And forsooth, be of good cheer: While registration is required, entry remains free.
The area is also roomy enough for an audience, a stage, and Shakespearean high jinks, which, on select evenings, will feature a theme.
The chosen theme might inspire audience members to dress up or join a salon discussion or participate in a family workshop. Not every evening is a special night during the season, but, truly, every night is special at the Griffith Park Free Shakespeare Festival.
Upping that special spirit? Picnicking is a cherished pastime during these nights, so start choosing your blanket, and goodies, and those friends who adore chilled-out summer days and Shakespeare-style intensity after the sun sets.
Pictured at top: Kalean Ung as the Chanteuse in “The Comedy of Errors,” photo by Mike Ditz