If you live in New York, you are probably familiar with the project Shakespeare in the Park. Every summer, the New York Public Theater promotes two Shakespeare plays, one tragedy and one comedy, so the public of New York can attend them for free. The first round goes from May through June and the second goes from July to August. This year, there’s the addition of a third play: Hercules, based on the 2014 animated film, runs from late August through September. The plays are staged on the Delacorte Theater, which is designed on the arena style, just like in the Shakespeare times. This event is definitely one of the best attractions in NY City and is free.
This year’s first play is Much Ado About Nothing, which is being played for the fifth time in the project. Its Creator, Kenny Leon, however, gave a different approach to the play. It is set in Georgia in a 2020 pre-election period. With an all black cast, the role of Beatrice is played by Danielle Brooks (Orange is the New Black). These setting choices definitely make a strong statement in today’s American society as we are living in a time of explicit racism in the country. In Shakespeare’s original plot, Beatrice repudiates the idea of marrying a man, specifically Benedick (Grantham Coleman), with she’d had a relationship in the past. It also features the romance between her cousin Hero (Margaret Odette), daughter of Leonato (Chuck Cooper) and Claudio (Jeremie Harris). We encounter a tragedy aspect on the play during Claudio and Hero’s wedding, where he accuses her of being unfaithful. Once the conflict is established, all it’s left is the solution in which Hero’s honor is restored and Benedick and Beatrice can finally reveal their love for each other. I know it is a very simple summary but I don’t want to spoiled the plot for future audiences of this incredible all time comedy by Shakespeare.
During the perfomance, bad weather occurred. When this happens, the organizers of the event can hold the performance for up to 20 minutes, until the performance can be cancelled for the day. Members of the audience are not allowed to open their umbrellas during the show. Ponchos are, however, are in the clear. On the night I attended, there was a hold during the downpour, but the intermission wasn’t cancelled, which caused a delay on the performance. Luckily, it didn’t rain for a long period of time so they didn’t have to cancel the whole perfomance. Even with the weather, it was really worthwhile attending this incredible event.
Much Ado About Nothing will be playing until June 23. For more information on schedule and how to obtain tickets go to:
What's Up New York 