Shakespeare By The Sea, a nonprofit organization launched in 1998 in San Pedro to offer Shakespeare shows for free, presents “Romeo and Juliet” on Saturday, July 23, and “Much Ado About Nothing” on Sunday, July 24, for its 25th Anniversary.
At Garfield Park in South Pasadena this weekend, love will definitely be in the air as both shows tell romantic tales with two very different endings.
In “Romeo and Juliet,” the main characters turn their backs on their parents’ ancient feud and embark on an intense and secret love affair that explodes in some of the fiercest writing about love in the history of the stage. With their families at war, the lovers risk everything to be together, in a fierce and famous drama of love and revenge.
“Much Ado About Nothing” is set in Messina and revolves around two romantic pairings that emerge when a group of soldiers arrive in the town. The first, between Claudio and Hero, is nearly altered by the accusations of the villain, Don John. The second romance, between Claudio’s friend Benedick and Hero’s cousin Beatrice, takes centerstage as the play goes on, with both characters’ wit and banter providing much of the humor.
Shakespeare By The Sea says its mission is to create theatrical experiences for audiences in culturally diverse communities to make theater accessible to all. Performances are usually held on traditional territory and on the ancestral homelands of the Kizh and Tongva people “who existed here before this city was formed and are still living here among us today,” a statement on the group’s website says.
The non-profit seeks to explore the truth of the human spirit through Shakespeare’s texts, offering free productions in public venues in order to reach the broadest demographics of English and non-English speaking audiences.
This weekend’s performances in South Pasadena begin at 7 p.m. Admission is free. Donations gratefully accepted.
For more information, call (310) 217-7596 or visit www.shakespearebythesea.org/wp
Garfield Park is at 1000 Park Ave. in South Pasadena.
