| The Jester's Courtyard |
The History of Shakespeare on Clark
Dave Stapleton worked for a newspaper in town. Julane Sullivan owned and operated All Dressed Up Costume shop. Their companies shared an entrance door, and they became friends, talking about everything from local high school basketball to the theatre. Julane shared one of her favorite theatre experiences, that of classic comedy being performed outdoors, and how she would love to recreate that experience in Batavia, particularly on an underutilized park in the heart of downtown Batavia. David suggested they approach the newly formed Batavia Main Street to see if they would be willing to help sponsor a program of this nature. The presentation was made, approved, and Shakespeare on Clark was born.
Clark Island is a small island just south of Wilson street, and has an old stone pavilion as it's centerpiece. The stone pavilion has proven to be the perfect backdrop for the Shakespeare's plays. The first summer, the company produced, A Midsummer Night's Dream, and the island was transformed to the woods where lovers discovered their true destinies and faerries amused themselves playing games on themselves as well as the mortals who had entered their stronghold. Opening night brought a light drizzle, and the cast thought for sure the show would be cancelled. As they waited patiently on the Island, they were amazed as over 150 people crossed the bridges in the light rain to watch the show, and sat for 90 minutes taking in the magic of A Midsummer Nights Dream as the mist continued throughout the performance.
For the past 13 years, Shakespearean comedies have continued to delighted audiences who have crossing over the bridges from either side of the river, with lawn chairs and blankets, with their picnic dinners, to enjoy an early evening amusement.
And let you not think the subject matter is droll and hard to understand. When produced with a light hand; it is funny, fast paced and totally understandable, bringing hearty laughter to everyone in the audience.
In the past years Shakespeare on Clark has brought us A Midsummer's Nights Dream, Twelfth Night, Taming of the Shrew, As You Like It, and Much Ado About Nothing.
This season, the summer of 2011 Shakespeare on Clark will present yet another classic comedy, The Merry Wives of Windsor.
Join us!
RETURN TO SHAKESPEARE ON CLARK
Clark Island is a small island just south of Wilson street, and has an old stone pavilion as it's centerpiece. The stone pavilion has proven to be the perfect backdrop for the Shakespeare's plays. The first summer, the company produced, A Midsummer Night's Dream, and the island was transformed to the woods where lovers discovered their true destinies and faerries amused themselves playing games on themselves as well as the mortals who had entered their stronghold. Opening night brought a light drizzle, and the cast thought for sure the show would be cancelled. As they waited patiently on the Island, they were amazed as over 150 people crossed the bridges in the light rain to watch the show, and sat for 90 minutes taking in the magic of A Midsummer Nights Dream as the mist continued throughout the performance.
For the past 13 years, Shakespearean comedies have continued to delighted audiences who have crossing over the bridges from either side of the river, with lawn chairs and blankets, with their picnic dinners, to enjoy an early evening amusement.
And let you not think the subject matter is droll and hard to understand. When produced with a light hand; it is funny, fast paced and totally understandable, bringing hearty laughter to everyone in the audience.
In the past years Shakespeare on Clark has brought us A Midsummer's Nights Dream, Twelfth Night, Taming of the Shrew, As You Like It, and Much Ado About Nothing.
This season, the summer of 2011 Shakespeare on Clark will present yet another classic comedy, The Merry Wives of Windsor.
Join us!
RETURN TO SHAKESPEARE ON CLARK
