GRIFFITH PARK—The Independent Shakespeare Co. launched their pay-nothing season this weekend and brought free theatre to Griffith Park on Saturday, June 25.
The Annual Griffith Park Free Shakespeare Festival commenced their 13th season this weekend with the Independent Shakespeare Co.’s rendition of William Shakespeare’s play, “Richard III,” on Saturday and Sunday night.
“Richard III” is being directed by Melissa Chalsma and performances are scheduled for 7 p.m., Wednesday through Sunday, until July 24.
The Independent Shakespeare Co. describes their adaptation of “Richard III” on their website, “Through the ages, classical actors (including David Garrick and Edmund Booth) refitted it for their versions of the indelible anti-hero. ISC pulls the best from the past and combines it with an entirely modern take for this electrified re-imagining of the tale of a man driven to pursue power by any means.”
The Independent Shakespeare Co.’s rendition of William Shakespeare’s “The Tempest,” follows in late July and will be directed by Matthew Earnest, with performances at 7 p.m. from July 30 through September 4.
The Independent Shakespeare Co. explains the plot ““The Tempest” as, “Magic, first love and the forces of revenge intersect on a mysterious island. Prospero has spent 12 years in exile watching his growing daughter, Miranda, all the while plotting to punish his duplicitous brother with the sorcery he has been practicing. But when the opportunity presents itself, he learns that magic doesn’t make the man, the world is stranger than it appears and that perhaps the past is only history.”
Griffith Park Free Shakespeare Festival performances are held at Old Zoo in Griffith Park, located at 4730 Crystal Spring Dr., near the intersection of Crystal Springs Drive and Griffith Park Drive.
All performances are free, but donations are “gratefully accepted,” according to the Independent Shakespeare Co.’s website.
Those interested are encouraged to visit www.iscla.org or call (818) 710-6306 for directions and information.
