Shakespeare summer events around Puget Sound

William Shakespeare was an English playwright and poet who lived the late 16th and early 17th century. He wrote dozens of plays; including histories about English kings, tragedies such as Macbeth and Hamlet, a long list of comedies, poems, and over 100 sonnets (a poem of fourteen lines).

Known as “The Bard” (which means poet), he is regarded by many as one of the greatest, if not the greatest English writer of all time. 

Shakepeare’s works are the most performed and read plays in theaters and performance venues around the world. From Germany to Jerusalem, prison theaters and refugee camps, you can find Shakespeare’s’ plays under production.

Many portions of his plays, as well as his sonnets were composed in a traditional poetry form of the time known as iambic pentameter. A line of iambic verse contains ten syllables, with stress placed on every other syllable. 

In his plays, he often (but not always) used unrhymed iambic pentameter known as “blank verse”, which placed stress on different syllables. But he also used rhyming couplets and other forms such as trochaic tetrameter. 

Here are some of his more famous quotes, which demonstrate several of these syllabic rhyming styles:

• From Romeo and Juliet (Act 2, Scene 2): “But, soft! what light through yonder window breaks?”
• From Julius Caesar (Act 3, Scene 2): “Friends, Romans, countrymen, lend me your ears!”
• From Richard III (Act 1, Scene 1): “Now is the winter of our discontent Made glorious summer by this sun of York”
• Hamlet (Act 3, Scene 1): “To be, or not to be: that is the question”
• Romeo and Juliet (Act 2, Scene 2): “Good night, good night. Parting is such sweet sorrow, That I shall say good night till it be morrow.”
• Macbeth (Act 4, Scene 1): “Liver of blaspheming Jew,Gall of goat, and slips of yew. Silver’d in the moon’s eclipse, Nose of Turk and Tartar’s lips”

Why have these works stood the test of time above all others?

Some say it is due to the ambiguity of the play’s meaning and of the actions of the characters. This allows Shakespeare’s plays to be continually re-invented and re-imagined, whether as stage plays, or in our time, as movie themes.

In Seattle during summer, The Bard’s plays are performed in parks throughout the Puget Sound region, for you to enjoy in a relaxing and casual outdoor setting.

Seattle Shakespeare Company

Seattle Shakespeare Company is the Puget Sound region’s year-round, professional, classical theatre. The company began production at Seattle Center in 1991. Their success stems from a deep belief in the power and vibrancy of classical playwrights along with a commitment to artistic excellence on stage. Provocative performances challenge and delight audiences in Washington State, while fostering an appreciation for great stage works. Programs include indoor performances, free outdoor summer productions, regional tours, and educator and youth programs.

During the summer months Seattle Shakespeare Company presents Wooden O*—free, outdoor productions of classical plays performed in parks throughout the Puget Sound region. Grab a picnic, bring your family for some free Shakespeare in the parks. Donations after the performance will be welcomed.

*Wooden O refers to the shape of outdoor theatres in Shakespeare’s time, a ring of galleries with a space in the center open to the sky

More info: Seattle Shakespeare Company

Wooden O Shakespeare in the Parks

2022 Wooden O Summer schedule

Wooden O’s inaugural show was performed in August 1994 at Luther Burbank Park. Demand for the free summer Shakespeare performances grew. So, over the years park venues have been added throughout the Puget Sound region. Grab a picnic and bring your family and friends. No ticket needed; seating is first come. Donations after the performance will be welcomed. 

More info: Wooden O – Seattle Shakespeare Company

2022 Wooden O Performance locations

• Angle Lake Park 19408 International Blvd., SeaTac
• Columbia Park 4721 Rainier Ave S, Seattle
• Des Moines Beach Park 22030 Cliff Ave S, Des Moines
• Edmonds City Park 3rd Avenue and Pine, Edmonds
• Issaquah Community Center Open Space 301 Rainier Blvd S., Issaquah
• Klahanie Park 25000 SE Klahanie Blvd, Issaquah 
• Luther Burbank Park Amphitheatre 2040 84th Avenue SE, Mercer Island
• Lynndale Park Amphitheater 18927 72nd Ave W, Lynwood
• Richmond Beach Community Park 2201 NW 197th St, Shoreline
• Seattle Center Fisher Pavilion 305 Harrison Street, Seattle
• Steel Lake Park 2410 S 312th St, Federal Way
• Volunteer Park 1247 15th Ave E, Seattle
• Wright Park 501 South I Street, Tacoma

2022 Wooden O Schedule for “Cymbeline”

Cymbeline is not your average Shakespeare comedy as the story quickly twists to the dark side. A wicked stepmother, a spoiled prince, and a wayward villain match wits and wile with clever Imogen, but even the best of folks hit low points. What happens after “happily-ever-after” can look a whole lot different than what you dreamed.

• July 7th, 7pm-9pm. Luther Burbank Park Amphitheatre 2040 84th Avenue SE, Mercer Island
• July 8th, 7pm-9pm. Luther Burbank Park Amphitheatre 2040 84th Avenue SE, Mercer Island
• July 10th, 7pm-9pm. Volunteer Park 1247 15th Ave E, Seattle
• July 13th, 6:30-8:30. Richmond Beach Community Park 2201 NW 197th St, Shoreline
• July 14th, 7pm-9pm. Lynndale Park Amphitheater 18927 72nd Ave W, Lynwood
• July 15th, 7pm-9pm. Luther Burbank Park Amphitheatre 2040 84th Avenue SE, Mercer Island
• July 16th, 7pm-9pm. Luther Burbank Park Amphitheatre 2040 84th Avenue SE, Mercer Island
• July 17th, 7pm-9pm. Edmonds City Park 3rd Avenue and Pine, Edmonds
• July 21st, 7pm-9pm. Luther Burbank Park Amphitheatre 2040 84th Avenue SE, Mercer Island
• July 22nd, 7pm-9pm. Angle Lake Park 19408 International Blvd., SeaTac
• CANCELLED due to illness: July 23rd, 7pm-9pm. Klahanie Park 25000 SE Klahanie Blvd, Issaquah. More info: Cymbeline (2022) – Seattle Shakespeare Company
• CANCELLED due to illness: July 24th, 2pm-4pm. Luther Burbank Park Amphitheatre 2040 84th Avenue SE, Mercer Island. More info: Cymbeline (2022) – Seattle Shakespeare Company
• July 28th, 7pm-9pm. Issaquah Community Center Open Space 301 Rainier Blvd S., Issaquah
• July 29th, 6pm-9pm. Columbia Park 4721 Rainier Ave S, Seattle
• July 30th, 2pm-4pm. Luther Burbank Park Amphitheatre 2040 84th Avenue SE, Mercer Island
• July 31st, 2pm-4pm. Seattle Center Fisher Pavilion 305 Harrison Street, Seattle
• August 3rd, 7pm-9pm. Steel Lake Park 2410 S 312th St, Federal Way
• August 4th, 7pm-9pm. Luther Burbank Park Amphitheatre 2040 84th Avenue SE, Mercer Island
• August 5th, 7pm-9pm. Wright Park 501 South I Street, Tacoma
• August 7th, 3pm-5pm. Des Moines Beach Park 22030 Cliff Ave S, Des Moines

More info: Cymbeline (2022) – Seattle Shakespeare Company

2022 Wooden O Schedule for “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”

When two pairs of mixed-up lovers, along with a troupe of amateur players, stumble into the forest of two feuding fairies, it results in an enchanting mix of merriment. After a love potion plan goes awry, the fairy queen’s heart is captured by an unlikely suitor who has been transformed into a donkey. Leave it to that mischief maker Puck to not only create romantic chaos, but to also set things right.

• July 7th, 7pm-9pm. Issaquah Community Center Open Space 301 Rainier Blvd S., Issaquah
• July 9th, 2pm-4pm. Volunteer Park 1247 15th Ave E, Seattle
• July 10th, 7pm-9pm. Luther Burbank Park Amphitheatre 2040 84th Avenue SE, Mercer Island
• July 13th, 7pm-9pm. Lynndale Park Amphitheater 18927 72nd Ave W, Lynwood
• July 14th, 7pm-9pm. Luther Burbank Park Amphitheatre 2040 84th Avenue SE, Mercer Island
• July 16th, 7pm-9pm. Klahanie Park 25000 SE Klahanie Blvd, Issaquah 
• July 17th, 7pm-9pm. Luther Burbank Park Amphitheatre 2040 84th Avenue SE, Mercer Island
• July 22nd, 7pm-9pm. Luther Burbank Park Amphitheatre 2040 84th Avenue SE, Mercer Island
• July 23rd, 7pm-9pm. Luther Burbank Park Amphitheatre 2040 84th Avenue SE, Mercer Island
• July 24th, 7pm-9pm. Luther Burbank Park Amphitheatre 2040 84th Avenue SE, Mercer Island
• July 28th, 7pm-9pm. Luther Burbank Park Amphitheatre 2040 84th Avenue SE, Mercer Island
• July 29th, 7pm-9pm. Luther Burbank Park Amphitheatre 2040 84th Avenue SE, Mercer Island
• July 31st, 6pm-8pm. Seattle Center Fisher Pavilion 305 Harrison Street, Seattle
• August 5th, 7pm-9pm. Luther Burbank Park Amphitheatre 2040 84th Avenue SE, Mercer Island
• August 6th, 7pm-9pm. Luther Burbank Park Amphitheatre 2040 84th Avenue SE, Mercer Island
• August 7th, 7pm-9pm. Luther Burbank Park Amphitheatre 2040 84th Avenue SE, Mercer Island

More info: A Midsummer Night’s Dream (2022) – Seattle Shakespeare Company

2022 GreenStage Shakespeare in the Parks series

GreenStage presents Shakespeare in the Park and an Outdoor Theater festival in Seattle Parks. All productions are free, fun, and family-oriented, focusing on the text and story of the play. The talent of the artists, beauty of the natural park spaces, and participation of the audience creates inspiring productions. Shakespeare’s characters and words come to life in eye-opening ways in these intimate, outdoor performances.

The 2022 summer season for FREE Shakespeare in the Park will include Pericles directed by Ken Holmes and Henry V directed by Vince Brady. For Backyard Bard, GreenState will present Much Ado About Nothing and Macbeth, both directed by Sarah Stillion. 

Last time we checked (June 2), GreenStage performances will run from July 8 – August 6. A full detailed schedule will be posted soon.

Green Stage Shakespeare performance