The Lethbridge Shakespeare Performance Society says despite some significant challenges thanks to Mother Nature, its Shakespeare in the Park performances have still attracted large audiences.
“It’s been the worst season yet for us for weather,” producer Kate Connoll said. “We had to outright cancel one night.”
However, when the sun does come out, she says crowds of more than 300 people have turned up.
In its fifth year of putting on outdoor plays in Galt Gardens, the society is presenting its production of the tragedy Romeo and Juliet.
Emily Clink is the ever so sweet Juliet. The 17-year-old performer has never acted outside before this year.
“In the theatre, it’s so much more contained, it’s so much more controlled,” Clink said. “I think there is something really wonderful about your audience being right there and for all you know, there could be a child running across the stage.”
The society aims to educate more people about the work of William Shakespeare, the playwright who died 400 years ago.
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“He looks at love and hate, friendship and warfare and he covers it in a way no other playwright has quite managed,” Connoll said.
Some of the actors study Shakespeare themselves.
Along with playing the role of Friar Laurence in this summer’s production, John Poulsen is also a University of Lethbridge professor who specializes in drama education. He has also researched and written books about Shakespeare.
“When people talk about the best author in the English language, they often speak about Shakespeare,” he said. “So really, you’re looking at some of the best work ever.”
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This is the first tragedy the society has ever performed. The last show takes place on Aug. 12.
Next year, the society plans on producing one of Shakespeare’s earlier plays, The Comedy of Errors.