It’s summer in Vancouver and that can mean only one thing: an exciting line-up of special events at Bard on the Beach. From Fireworks nights to Family Days, there’s a host of unmissable events to enjoy at the Bard’s spectacularly beautiful Vanier Park site.
Bard-B-Q & Fireworks July 27 & 31, August 3| 5pm
See The Taming of the Shrew, Shakespeare in Love or All’s Well That Ends Well*, then enjoy an exquisite salmon barbecue from Emelle’s Catering and an entire evening of entertainment! Visit the PIXSTAR photobooth and enjoy a private view of the spectacular Celebration of Light fireworks.
*Note that the plays lineup varies, depending on the performance date: see schedule for full details.
Family Days July 6, August 10 & 24 | 2pm
A perfect Bard experience for you and your family! Arrive at the Village early for family-friendly activities, the PIXSTAR photobooth, hula hoop station, a food truck and an exclusive pre-show talk designed just for kids (Mainstage tent). Then enjoy a performance of our hilarious Wild-West love story, The Taming of the Shrew. Purchase a minimum of one Youth and one Adult ticket and receive $10 off each adult ticket (maximum two discounted adult tickets per order).
Exploring Shakespeare July 6, 13 & 20, September 7 | 11am Saturdays
Simon Fraser University’s Paul Budra delivers in-depth explorations of this season’s plays in his lively and engaging style. He’ll take you beyond the story as he explores Shakespeare’s inspirations and influences. Bring your questions and leave with a fuller understanding and appreciation of this season’s plays. Each talk will run approximately 60 minutes, including Q&As. Talk dates are:
July 6 – Exploring The Taming of the Shrew; July 13 – Exploring All’s Well That Ends Well;
0July 20 – Exploring Shakespeare in Love; September 7 – Exploring Coriolanus.
Forum: Kate – Victim or Victim? Monday August 26 | 7:30pm
Shakespeare’s classic comedy, The Taming of the Shrew, features a complicated heroine. Kate Minola is at odds with her family and her community, and her relationship with Petruchio can inspire strong opinions when viewed through a modern-day lens. But is there more to Kate than meets the eye? What can – or should – we make of her in 2019? This moderated forum includes an on-stage panel followed by an audience Q&A session. Howard Family Stage, Douglas Campbell Theatre.
Operas & Arias: Verdi & More! August 26 & September 2 | 2pm & 7:30pm (both days)
The talented young stars of the UBC Opera Ensemble, directed by Nancy Hermiston, are returning to Bard to bring more gorgeous opera favourites to life. Joined by the Vancouver Opera Orchestra and conducted by Maestro Leslie Dala (Vancouver Opera), the singers will perform excerpts from Verdi’s La Traviata and Rigoletto, along with a selection of French opera highlights from Manon Lescaut, Tales of Hoffman, Lakmé and Carmen. The concert, presented against the BMO Mainstage’s signature backdrop of mountains, sea and sky, promises to be an unforgettable experience!
Wine Wednesdays July 10, August 7 & 21, September 4 | 6pm
Wine Wednesdays are an intimate pre-show wine-tasting in the Bard Marquee, presented by special guests. Mix and mingle with other Bard patrons while enjoying a selection of premium wines and light snacks.
OTHER EVENTS
Prior to each play performance, guests can listen to an insightful In A Nutshell talk. These short and informal sessions give an overview of the story of that evening’s performance. On select Tuesdays, patrons are also invited to stay after the show for Talkback Tuesdays, an opportunity to dive deeper into the play they’ve just enjoyed with a lively Q&A session with members of the casts.
VOCALEYE PERFORMANCES
Bard is presenting four VocalEye performances (Taming of the Shrew – July 21 at 2pm and August 10 at 7.30pm; Shakespeare in Love – July 20 at 7.30pm and August 11 at 2pm) and one Relaxed Performance of The Taming of the Shrew (September 8 at 2pm) - 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.