Bard on the Beach Summer 2014: A Midsummer Night’s Dream; The Tempest
bySummer in Vancouver means warm strolls at sunset on the sea wall, fireworks in the sky, and Bard on the Beach. The annual festival under the iconic red and white tents at Vanier Park will celebrate its 25th season starting June 11th.
Bard on the Beach Summer 2014
A Midsummer Night’s Dream
Shakespeare’s beloved comedy returns to Bard! Oberon, King of the Fairies, is upset with Queen Titania. He commands his servant Puck to produce a magical nectar that will cause love at first sight. The mischievous sprite arranges for Queen Titania to fall for Bottom, a simple weaver (now transformed into an ass) while hilariously misdirecting the affections of four runaway lovers.
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Directed by: Dean Paul Gibson
Location: BMO Main Stage
Run Dates: June 11th to September 20th
The Tempest
Prospero, a magician and exiled Duke, is stranded on an enchanted island with his daughter Miranda, the spirit Ariel, and the slave Caliban. He conjures up a storm that shipwrecks his enemies on the island’s shores. As Prospero and Ariel weave a magical web, murder plots are hatched, unlikely alliances form and romance blooms between Miranda and the son of Prospero’s deepest enemy.
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Directed by: Meg Roe
Location: BMO Main Stage
Run Dates: June 12th to September 18th
Equivocation
Palace intrigue and backstage humour share the spotlight in this entertaining ode to art, politics and the dangers of negotiating both! King James’ Prime Minister has charged Shag (William Shakespeare) with writing the “true history” of Guy Fawkes and the Gunpowder Plot. The playwright struggles to figure out where fiction stops and the facts may lead – without losing his head in the process!
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Directed by: Michael Shamata
Location: Howard Family Stage
Run Dates: July 2nd to September 19th
Cymbeline
All is not as it appears after Imogen defies her father, King Cymbeline, to secretly marry Posthumus. The enthralling story that follows is driven by love, jealousy, betrayal and redemption and features a host of memorable characters, including one of Shakespeare’s most finely-etched female leads.
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Directed by: Anita Rochon
Location: Howard Family Stage
Run Dates: July 4th to September 17th
Special Events
Bard-B-Q & Fireworks: Enjoy one of this season’s four plays followed by a delicious salmon barbecue and scrumptious desserts, complimentary tea and coffee; then enjoy a private view of the Celebration of Light fireworks.
Gazing Back: Join Christopher Gaze as he recalls highlights, hiccups and some well-kept secrets from twenty-five years of fascinating Festival history.
Opera and Arias: Shakespeare’s Opera: Featuring beloved arias and ensembles inspired by some of Shakespeare’s greatest works including Hamlet, The Merry Wives of Windsor and Romeo & Juliet.
Celebrating Red & White: Join host Sandhill Wines for a special tasting of award-winning VQA wines from BC’s Okanagan region, paired with delicious cheeses.
Other special events include Will Shakespeare’s ImprovMusical, Bard, Beer & Pretzels, Bard Explored, Fight Night: Academie Duello, Chor Leoni, EnChor Choir, The VSO Presents: Mozart @ Bard, and Talkback Tuesdays.
Tickets
Play ticket prices (adults) include all fees and taxes and are $47 (evenings) and $33 to $35 (previews, matinees and long weekend evenings) with a $27 Global BC Youth Rate (6-25 years, all play performances). Early Bird regular adult tickets are priced at $43 to May 30. Prices for special events, groups and multi-play ticket package discounts can be found on the Bard website. Early booking is recommended for best seat selection (all seats are reserved). Order by phone (604) 739-0559 or 1-877-739-0559, or online, and follow @BardontheBeach on Twitter for season updates.
