Bard on the Beach: To perform, explore, and celebrate Shakespeare
Bard on the Beach, one of Canada’s largest not-for-profit, professional Shakespeare Festivals, returns to Vancouver in its 26th season this year at the magnificent setting on the waterfront in Vancouver’s Vanier Park. Set out with the mission to perform, explore and celebrate the genius of William Shakespeare, the festival not only offers Shakespeare plays, but also related dramas and several special events in two performance tents from June through September for attendees of all ages.
Bard on the Beach was established in 1990 with a mandate to provide Vancouver residents and tourists with affordable, accessible Shakespearean productions of the finest quality. Begun as an Equity Co-op, Bard is now a fully professional company engaging dozens of talented artists, artisans, technicians and year-round administrators. Bard’s primary focus is its annual festival in Vanier Park, which annually attracts over 100,000 people. Bard’s other key elements include education and training initiatives for both the artistic community and the general community at large.
Double trouble has never been more delightful! Two sets of long-lost twins meet up unexpectedly, creating hilarious confusion for their friends, loved ones – and most of all themselves.
The Comedy of Errors is directed by actor/director and Bard Artistic Associate Scott Bellis.
Shakespeare’s magnificent tragedy tells the story of an aging king who divides his kingdom between two daughters but leaves out the third, failing to understand that she loves him most of all. His mistake triggers a chain of lies and betrayal – and dooms him to madness.
Benedict Campbell plays Lear in this production, presented in collaboration with Theatre Calgary and directed by its Artistic Director, Dennis Garnhum.
It’s the Jazz Age, the music is live and the party is in full swing. But a rum-running kingpin and his pals have chosen to turn their backs on liquor and the ladies to follow a simpler, scholarly life. Will their plan hold fast against the temptations of three winsome and witty women?
Master swordsman John Lawley just wants to be a good father, win back his true love and arrange the fights for William Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre. But when he gets caught up in a deadly royal power play, he can’t escape the fight of his life. And he may be the only man who can save England…
This rollicking adventure has been adapted for the stage by C.C. Humphreys from his best-selling Shakespeare’s Rebel novel. The world stage premiere is directed by Bard Artistic Director Christopher Gaze.
This adaptation of the play is set in 1920s Chicago and is highlighted by live performances of jazz classics. The production is directed by Daryl Cloran, Artistic Director of Western Canada Theatre.
SPECIAL EVENTS
Other than theatre performances, Bard also features a series of special events that provides varieties for festival attendees. The Bard-B-Q & Fireworks has always been a popular Bard special event. Ticket includes a theatre performance, delicious bbq gourmets, desserts and more, and a prime view by the shore to watch the spectacular fireworks. Wine Wednesdays are an intimate pre-show wine tasting in the Bard Marquee presented by special guests. This year’s featured wineries include Red Roaster, Sandhill, and more. Opera and Arias: Gilbert & Sullivan is an in-concert performance showcasing the gifted young stars of the UBC Opera Ensemble, directed by Nancy Hermiston, featuring nstrumental accompaniment by members of the Vancouver Opera Orchestra, conducted by Leslie Dala. A complete list of Bard of the Beach Special Events is available on the Bard on the Beach website.
To purchase tickets to the Bard of the Beach Events: Bard on the Beach Box Office
Image credits: Bard on the Beach
