Free Shakespeare in the Park 2022
Thank you for a wonderful summer!
Our 40th Anniversary Season of Free Shakespeare in the Park's Much Ado Nothing has now concluded. Audiences were delighted by this comic tale of love won, lost, and then regained.
This was SF Shakes' fourth production of this play, having also staged it in 1987, directed by Albert Takazaukas; 1997, directed by Albert Takazaukas and Hector Correa; and in 2005, directed by Kenneth Kelleher. (See entire production history.)
Shannon Davis directed the show and Vanessa Dalpiaz was Assistant Director.
This beloved classic featured the intermingling of two different love stories - Hero and Claudio, whose love is challenged by jealousy, and Beatrice and Benedick who work through their past history with each other to find love again. The villainy of Don John and the malaprop-spouting Constable Dogberry added to the fun!
The play was selected by the company’s Resident Artists who felt, according to Artistic Director Rebecca J. Ennals, that “after the past 2 years, we were ready for a comedy.” During the season planning process, the artists noted that Much Ado’s humor isn’t purely escapist - the darker side of life is very much present, and the lovers have to be brave enough to take risks and be willing to change.
We at the Festival believe that Shakespeare experienced in a communal setting -‐ whether it be outdoors, in a classroom, in a theater, or live online -‐ elates the soul, inspires the mind, and unifies those who sit beside each other. We hope that you agree!
Coming soon for a limited time! On-demand video recording of Much Ado About Nothing.