Bard on the Beach Shakespeare Festival launches its 29th Season with a lineup of four exciting play productions and a range of entertaining special events, in the spectacular waterfront setting of Vanier Park. Tickets for all performances and special events, scheduled from June 6 through September 22, are now on sale.
The Festival opens on the BMO Mainstage with a powerhouse classical production of Macbeth, directed by Chris Abraham. Macbeth plays in repertory with the delightful romantic comedy As You Like It, set in Vancouver in the ‘60s, with over 20 classic Beatles songs performed by the cast; direction is by Daryl Cloran (Love’s Labour’s Lost, Bard 2015).
On the Howard Family Stage, it’s Timon of Athens, a provocative study of greed and false friends, directed by Meg Roe (The Tempest, Bard 2014). Timon alternates with a new adaptation by Jennifer Wise and Lois Anderson of Lysistrata, the 411 BC play about the first-ever women’s strike; Lois Anderson (Pericles, Bard 2016) directs this world premiere.
Notable returning special events include Bard-B-Q & Fireworks, Family Nights, Talkback Tuesdays, Wine Wednesdays and the Exploring Shakespeare Talks (one for each of the four plays). On August 27, Bard hosts Forum: Gender and Shakespeare in 2018. Musical performances return to the BMO Mainstage, including Chor Leoni: Mane Event as well as Opera & Arias:Bold and Beautiful with the UBC Opera Ensemble and the Vancouver Opera Orchestra. Bard will also present two VocalEye performances and one Relaxed Performance, increasing the Festival’s accessibility.
Ticket prices for all regular play performances start at $24 CAD. Early booking is recommended for best seat selection, as many performances sell out in advance. The full performance schedule, site information and play and special events 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.
