Bard on the Beach Shakespeare Festival continues its 29th season with a series of five special events this summer. The events, scheduled throughout July and August and designed for a range of ages and tastes, are presented at Bard’s spectacularly beautiful Vanier Park site.
1. Bard-B-Q & Fireworks July 28, August 1 & 4 | 5:30pm & 6pm
See As You Like It or Timon of Athens* followed by an exquisite salmon barbecue from Emelle’s Catering with all the fixings, delicious desserts and an entire evening of entertainment! Visit the PIXSTAR Photobooth, take in the award-winning Dowco Triumph Street Pipe Band and more, before enjoying a private view of the spectacular Celebration of Light fireworks.
*The Timon of Athens performance starts at 6pm, half an hour later than As You Like It, and is presented on the July 28 and August 4 Fireworks nights only.
2. Family Nights July 24 & August 21 | 6pm
A perfect experience for the whole family! Geared for ages 6 and up, this special evening is filled with family-friendly activities. Arrive at the Village early for the PIXSTAR Photobooth, face painting, food truck, an exclusive pre-show talk designed just for kids and more. Then enjoy a performance of the joyful comedy As You Like It, filled with 25 Beatles songs performed by the cast. Purchase a minimum of one Youth and one Adult ticket and receive $10 off each adult ticket (maximum two adults).
3. Forum: Gender and Shakespeare in 2018 Monday August 27 | 7:30pm
Four centuries ago, Shakespeare challenged traditional assumptions and expectations around gender. In 2018, we apply new and modern lenses when we consider his characters. This moderated forum includes an on-stage panel of actors, directors and educators, followed by an audience Q & A.
4. Exploring Shakespeare June 30, July 7, July 14 & July 21 | 11am Saturdays
Simon Fraser University’s Paul Budra delivers in-depth explorations of this season’s plays in his lively and engaging style. Go beyond the story and explore Shakespeare’s inspirations and influences. Have all of your questions answered and leave with a fuller understanding of this season’s plays during the Q & A after the talk. Specific talk dates are: June 30 – Exploring As You Like It, July 7 – Exploring Macbeth, July 14 – Exploring Timon of Athens and July 21 – Exploring Lysistrata.
5. Operas & Arias: Bold and Beautiful August 27 & September 3 | 2pm & 7:30pm (both days)
Join the rising stars of the UBC Opera Ensemble and members of the Vancouver Opera Orchestra for a costumed concert performance that will seduce, delight and inspire you! Drawn from a set of best-loved operas, the programme will include favourite selections from La Traviata, La Bohème, Die Fledermausand more. The singers are directed by UBC’s Nancy Hermiston with musicians conducted by Leslie Dala. Bard Artistic Director Christopher Gaze hosts all performances, presented against the BMO Mainstage’s spectacular backdrop of mountains, sea and sky.
Prior to each play performance, guests can listen to the insightful In A Nutshell. These short and informal talks gives an overview of the story of that evening’s performance. On Tuesdays throughout July and August, patrons are invited to stay after the show for Talkback Tuesdays where audiences take part in a lively question and answer session with members of the cast. Bard will also present two VocalEye performances (July 22 and August 18) and one Relaxed Performance (September 9), enhancing the Festival’s accessibility.
Bard on the Beach special events, full performance schedule and site information 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.