BARD ON THE BEACH
Celebrating its 34th season, Bard on the Beach brings four diverse and refreshed plays from Shakespeare’s popular comedy As You Like It to the dynamic political drama Julius Caesar. With much excitement, I attended the opening performance of Julius Caesar.
Making perfect sense in today’s crazy world, Julius Caesar is a cautionary tale reminding us of how seemingly good and noble intentions may ultimately result in dire consequences. Although set in ancient Rome, universal human values such as loyalty, ambition, self-sacrifice plus the shifting tide of public opinion continue to resonate in our challenging times.
Perhaps as a nod to women in positions of power, Director Cherissa Richards presents a modern shift to the narrative. Female characters play leading roles conveying the image of Rome as an egalitarian society, at least on this stage.
Elements of past and present are interconnected in the set design. Roman columns support stark LED white light boxes which broadcast video news reports of violent insurrections, chaos and related imageries.
Shakespeare asks us to self-reflect and carefully examine our motives before we act. As Cassius observes: “the fault, dear Brutus, in not in our stars, but in ourselves.”
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Andrew Wheeler, Photo by Tim Matheson
Julius Caesar is on from now until September 24, 2023 – BMO Mainstage
Ticket prices for all regular play performances start at $30 CAD. Early booking is recommended for best seat selection, as many performances sell out in advance. The full performance schedule and event details are on the Bard website at bardonthebeach.org. To book tickets, order online through the Bard website or call the Bard Box Office at 604-739-0559 or (toll free) 1-877-739-0559.
The lineup for the Festival’s 34th Season runs from June 8 to September 30, 2023.
Bard’s 2018 blockbuster As You Like It, brimming with Beatles hits, is back on the BMO Mainstage after delighting sold-out houses across Western Canada and the USA. It will play in repertory with Shakespeare’s thrilling political drama, Julius Caesar. On the Howard Family Stage, there are two contrasting productions: Henry V, the inspiring and timely history play, followed by the hilariously interactive Goblin:Macbeth, created by a team of acclaimed Canadian theatre-makers.
“Our 34th Season is the full package, with dynamic productions for theatre lovers of every stripe,” says Christopher Gaze, Bard Founding Artistic Director. “There’s a wealth of romance, music, high-spirited comedy and compelling drama – something just for you, whether you’re a committed Shakespeare lover or have never been to Bard before.”
Tickets for our 2023 Season are now available. Visit our ticketing page to purchase yours today!
