After the COVID pandemic cost them their 2020 season, Buffalo's Shakespeare in Delaware Park will return with two productions this summer. But their presentations of selected Shakespeare works will be conducted much differently.
With Friday marking the Bard's birthday, Shakespeare in Delaware Park executive director Lisa Ludwig announced plans for the 2021 season in a video message. She explained that the season was developed while there many unknowns still in the air.
"To plan a full Shakespeare in Delaware Park season, it takes a full year," she said. "So this year, with still having the uncertainties on what the protocols will be for like gatherings this summer, we decided to plan two unique productions to ensure that we could bring to you live free outdoor theater this summer."
The first production, scheduled to open June 29, is known as "A Midsummer Night's Walk," which will stage A Midsummer Night's Dream in Delaware Park. But instead of putting it on the usual stage, small audience groups will be guided from scene to scene throughout several locations within the park.
The other planned production, "Shakespeare and Love," begins July 9 and will take the company on a tour of other local parks and places.
“We'll be visiting 22 different venues from July 9 through August 22 with an original script by Shakespeare in Delaware Park founder and artistic director Saul Elkin,” Ludwig said. “Shakespeare and Love is a one-hour performance featuring some of Shakespeare's most famous scenes. Pre-registration will be required to maintain all COVID-19 safety mandates and guidelines.”
Further details are available at Shakespeare in Delaware Park's website.
