Breaking news! Well, only because we overlooked it until now…
GreenStage‘s Shakespeare in the Park series returns this summer, including tonight’s performance of The Two Noble Kinsmen at Wallingford Playfield at 7 pm. This is part of the company’s Backyard Bard series, which aims to make Shakespeare more accessible by stripping down a play to one hour in length and performing it with a small, flexible ensemble.
About the Play
Nothing turns best friends into bitter rivals like a love triangle. Arcite and Palomon soon learn that the hard way when they both fall for the same woman. But before they can woo Emilia, they have to get out of prison. Condemned by Theseus but aided by the Jailer’s Daughter, the only solution is a winner-takes-all duel. Based on Chaucer’s “The Knight’s Tale,” and written with John Fletcher, Shakespeare’s final play probes the conflict between our desires and our destiny—even as it pokes fun at the lengths we go to in the name of love.
Animated version: If you’d like to give your kiddo (or yourself!) a better idea of the plot and characters of “The Knight’s Tale” before seeing the show, we highly recommend this animated adaptation. There are differences between this version, Shakespeare’s text, and our adaptation, but it highlights the major characters and plot points: The Knight’s Tale | Animated (Youtube)
Audience participation: We’ll invite a few folks onstage during the performance to be “country people.” For anyone interested, we’ll give more specific directions a little before the start of the performance (and don’t worry—participation is optional). Are you dying to be onstage? Bring a cowboy hat to wear, and you’re basically guaranteed an invitation to participate. Yeehaw!
But if tonight doesn’t work for you, fear not! There will be additional performances of this and other plays nearby, tomorrow and on two other weekends this summer. Here is the full list of upcoming Wallyhood-adjacent performances, all at Lower Woodland Park (near picnic shelter #6):
The Winter’s Tale
Saturday, July 11 @ 7–9 pm
Coriolanus
Sunday, July 12 @ 7–9 pm
The Winter’s Tale
Friday, July 24 @ 7–9 pm
Coriolanus
Saturday, July 25 @ 7–9 pm
Coriolanus
Friday, August 14 @ 7–9 pm
Backyard Bard Double Feature:
The Tempest – BYB
Saturday, August 15 @ 1–2 pm
The Two Noble Kinsmen – BYB
Saturday, August 15 @ 2:15–3:15 pm
Double Feature Day:
Coriolanus
Saturday, August 15 @ 4–7 pm
The Winter’s Tale
Saturday, August 15 @ 7–9 pm
All shows are free—no tickets or reservations are required, just show up, sit down. and watch the show. However, it is recommended to arrive at least 30 minutes before show time to get a good spot on the grass.
Bring a blanket or a low chair—any seats more than 10 inches high will be asked to sit behind the “tall chair line.”
More FAQ here!
Discover more from Wallyhood
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
