Now in our fourth season, Shakespeare by the Sea continues to bring excellent artistic performances of the timeless plays of William Shakespeare.
Victoria: Ogden Point * July 2 – August 2
Hamlet – Thursdays 7PM, Saturdays 2PM & 7PM
The Tempest – Fridays 7PM, Sundays 2PM & 7PM
Sidney: Beacon Park * September 10-13
Hamlet – Thursday 7PM, Saturday 2PM & 7PM
The Tempest – Friday 7PM, Sunday 2PM & 7PM
Nanaimo: Pioneer Waterfront Plaza * September 19-21
Hamlet – Saturday 2PM & 7PM, Monday 2PM
The Tempest – Sunday 2PM & 7PM, Monday 7PM
Buy your TICKETS on-line at Victoria Ticket
or call us at 250.999.2997
This Vancouver Island production looks forward to growing again this year with the new venue of Pioneer Waterfront Plaza in Nanaimo, joining Clover Point in Victoria and Beacon Park in Sidney. Each location provides a stunning back drop of the Salish Sea for the Vancouver Island Shakespearean Arts.
Hamlet is a family drama torn asunder by betrayal and murder. The Tempest is a familial comedy of reconciliation. The Tempest may have been Shakespeare’s favourite play. It is featured first in 1623 Folio even though it was his last play before retiring back to Stratford. And what of Hamlet? In every other play penned by the Bard, he illustrates the world as it is warts and all. He takes no sides, except for his Hamlet. It is personal! It might have been the death of his son, Hamnet, who died in 1596 at the age of eleven years that inspired him. It may be Shakespeare’s own commentary on the waning age of the Renaissance. We will never know for sure. One thin is certain, we each walk away with our own personal Hamlet.
Our theatre company is embarking on an ambitious three year program, “Shakespeare and Women.” We will present Hamlet this year to be followed by Othello in 2016 and then, in 2017 King Lear. A trilogy of tragedies with a young man who fails to ally with his mother, a middle-aged man who cannot trust his wife, and an old man who madly destroys his daughters. The three most important relationships between genders. A message for our own perplexing age and uncertain future. Our comedies will reflect and contrast these themes as well.
Thank you to the troupe of dedicated actors who continue to bring the wonder of the Bard to audiences young and old. Enjoy their talents!
Credits
All Photos Are ©Steve Duck – All Rights Reserved
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