“To be, or not to be?” That is just one of the many thought-provoking questions that William Shakespeare poses in his timeless plays, which have been endlessly studied, performed, and adapted for centuries across the globe. Along with ponderings of love, identity and legacy, the bard’s works compel audiences to consider life from new perspectives.
In Vancouver, it’s a tradition that takes hold every summer with Vancouver’s annual Shakespeare festival.
The 2024 season of Bard on the Beach is in session, featuring four brand new productions on the BMO Mainstage and the Howard Family Stage in Sen̓ákw/Vanier Park from now until the festival’s closing night on September 21. Located along English Bay and overlooking the mountains, sea, and sky, the iconic Bard tents offer the best setting for watching live theatre in the city.
To make the traditional Shakespeare plays accessible and enjoyable for all, Bard on the Beach adapts productions to make them relevant to today’s modern world by approaching relevant contemporary topics and keeping diversity top of mind when casting actors, directors and crew members.
Twelfth Night
Leading this year’s Bard on the Beach season is Twelfth Night, which plays on the BMO Mainstage from now until September 21.
Director Diana Donnelly celebrates the topsy-turvy carnival world of Illyria in this adaptation of Shakespeare’s unforgettable romantic-comedy. The work’s poetry and chaos is set to original music by Vancouver-based composer Veda Hille. Audiences can expect fights, pranks, jokes and miracles in this journey of romance, adventure and self-discovery in the land of misrule. Twelfth Night examines how love transforms us all, for better or for worse.
Three new productions
In addition to Twelfth Night, Bard on the Beach presents three new adaptations of Shakespeare’s works, covering the realms of drama, comedy, music and more.
Stephen Drover’s Hamlet tells the classic tale of a young prince's struggle to move forward upon the death of his father. The secrets he uncovers along his journey unlocks questions of life, existence, and if it's better "to be or not to be". Hamlet plays on the BMO Mainstage from now until September 20.
The Comedy of Errors by director Rebecca Northan, the creator of last year’s smash-hit Goblin:Macbeth, is a fantastical farce set inan ancient Greek port. Brimming with comedic confusion, the production features mistaken identity, marital infidelity and knee-slapping hijinks, set in the sweltering heat with a cast of pickpockets, goldsmiths, courtesans and cutthroats. The Comedy of Errors plays on the Howard Family Stage from July 2 to September 21.
Directed by Jivesh Parasram, Measure for Measure is set on the dance floor of Vienna, a party city where dancing before marriage is considered a crime punishable by death. This new adaptation is a sharp and footloose take on one of Shakespeare’s most painfully relevant tales of coercion and hypocrisy – with plenty of dance moves thrown in for good measure. Measure for Measure plays on the Howard Family Stage from July 4 to September 20.
Special events throughout the summer
Bard on the Beach hosts a variety of special events during the season for families, wine lovers, fireworks fans, the LGBTQIA+ community and more.
Before the matinee performances of Twelfth Night on July 14 and August 18, audience members are invited to experience Family Day. The family-friendly experience aims to encourage a new generation of young theatre patrons to discover Shakespeare through fun, interactive activities. Special pricing and kids’ activities will be in effect on these two days only.
Upgrade your Bard on the Beach experience by reserving your spot at an exclusive pre-show wine tasting during Wine Wednesdays. Held on the evenings of June 26, July 10 and August 14, you can sip and savour B.C. wines, paired with individual cheese boxes provided by Emelle's Catering, in this presentation by industry experts and special guests of the festival.
The secret to snagging an excellent view of the annual Honda Celebration of Light is over at the Bard tents. Catch the performances of Twelfth Night or The Comedy of Errors on July 20, 24 or 27 and enjoy exclusive access to a private viewing area during the fireworks show. Guests will enjoy an included dessert buffet by Emelle's Catering too, as well as have the option to pre-order a picnic set from Emelle’s Catering or assemble a smorgasbord of snacks and drinks from the concession.
In celebration of Vancouver Pride weekend, Bard on the Beach will host their annual Bard Pride Day on August 4. Tickets include early access to the venue, special activities, special guests and more to be announced soon.
Go to www.bardonthebeach.org to reserve your Bard on the Beach tickets today.
