Boston’s most popular outdoor theatre is back with a free production of The Tempest.
Shakespeare on the Common, Boston’s annual free theatre production, began last week and will continue up until August 8. Produced by the Commonwealth Shakespeare Company, you don’t want to miss out on this delightful, family-friendly summer event.
Every day (except Mondays) until the 8th, you’ll be able to catch this performance at 8 PM on Boston Common.
While the production is free, the event runners ask that attendees register in advance for priority access to seating. Thankfully, walk-ups will be welcome the night of the show. You might even be able to sit right outside the seating area and catch the performance too.
The performance will be adjusted to omit the usual intermissions, and audience sizes may be limited in accordance with social distancing measures.
This year is the production’s 25th anniversary, and they’ve chosen to perform one of Shakespeare’s last great comedies, The Tempest.
If you need a refresher on the plot of The Tempest, here’s the general story: on a Mediterranean island, a powerful magician named Prospero creates a storm to shipwreck his enemies on the island. When they wake, they find themselves lost on an island where magic and fantasy sway interactions and perceptions.
In addition to bringing your imagination, it’s recommended to bring a blanket for sitting on the Common, as well as additional supplies to be comfortable in the outdoors (sweaters, umbrellas, bug spray, etc). And of course, you’ll certainly want to bring snacks and drinks. Bear in mind that alcohol is prohibited in public parks, so either skip the bottle of rosé, or keep it discrete!
Although there won’t be food trucks near the venue this year, you have plenty of choices for food in the area. Boston Common is close to Chinatown and the Theatre District, so you’ll have lots of delicious restaurants to choose from around the corner.
[featured image: https://commshakes.org/]