Hip to Hip Brings Shakespeare in the Park to Southampton August 14 & 15
The Hip to Hip Theatre Company will hold performances of The Merchant of Venice on Friday, August 14, and The Merry Wives of Windsor on Saturday, August 15, for Shakespeare in the Park events at Agawam Park in Southampton Village.
Beginning at 7:30 p.m. the performances are free and open to the public. Take the kids early to enjoy a fun and enriching theater experience consisting of games, and an introduction to Shakespeare starting at 7 p.m. Seating is first-come, first-served; there are no tickets or lines. Guests can enjoy an evening stroll in the park and then relax the night away with some family friendly whimsical plays. Blankets, low chairs, and picnic fare are recommended..
The Merchant of Venice and The Merry Wives of Windsor are both comedies with added twists of drama. Perfect for lovers of Shakespeare or those experiencing it for the first time, The Merchant of Venice is one of Shakespeare’s darkest comedies. It features social positions, justice and the limitations of the law.
“Venetian gentleman Bassanio has squandered all his money, but he needs 3,000 ducats so that he can travel to Belmont and woo the beautiful heiress Portia. His devoted friend Antonio helps him by borrowing the cash from the moneylender Shylock. But when Antonio is forced to default on the loan, Shylock seeks a gruesome revenge, and Portia and Bassanio find themselves in a desperate struggle to save Antonio’s life,” says Hip to Hip Theatre Company. The Merchant of Venice is great for those who would prefer a “dark 16th century society” style production. The Merry Wives of Windsor is about courtship, jealousy and friendship. This relatable play features betrayal and love dilemmas that most people are familiar with.
“It features one of the most beloved characters. Sir John Falstaff, banished to Windsor and running out of money, devises what he thinks is a fool-proof plan: seduce the wives of the two richest men in town. Unfortunately for him, the women immediately see through his scheme, and proceed to turn the tables on him. Meanwhile, mayhem ensues as three suitors vie to marry the local heiress,” says Hip to Hip.
Founded in 2007, Hip to Hip has a goal to promote the love of theater by providing free outdoor performances of various popular classics. They primarily serve the New York City and Queens area and are a nonprofit 501(c)(3) arts organization.
The Hamptons productions will be located on the lawn in Agawam Park in front of the Veteran’s Memorial. For more information visit Hip to Hip’s website.