The city of New Haven is home to talent abound. Natives and newcomers shine in our city’s lecture halls, laboratories, high-rises, and stages; and here, not all stages come with curtains.
For nearly 30 years, Elm Shakespeare Company has been welcoming neighbors to completely free Shakespeare productions in our city’s parks. Their work is a recommitment of their core purpose – to celebrate shared humanity and cultivate community-wide empathy. In this 29th season, the Company will present the iconic text of Shakespeare’s Richard III, a compelling exploration of the cyclical nature of grief and violence, offering a poignant message of hope and reconciliation.
The production will be led by nationally acclaimed actor Lisa Wolpe, whose take on the titular role of Richard III brings a dynamic interpretation of the infamous monarch into view. This casting choice is emblematic of the Company’s mission to explore facets of gender in this new season. In casting Wolpe as Richard III and assigning other non-traditional roles, the Company seeks to highlight the fluidity and complexity of power dynamics, illuminating the harsh realities of power, corruption, acts of atrocity, and the devastating impact on the innocent. Still, the women in this story and production are far from powerless. Their collective sorrow becomes a formidable force, amplifying their voices and influence while offering a vision of healing and a model to end destructive cycles.
For the first time since the arrival of Rebecca Goodheart, Elm Shakespeare’s Producing Artistic Director and Director, the Company will present the production in its original form; unadorned by modern twists, but rich with the emotional depth and raw authenticity that have become Elm Shakespeare’s hallmark.
Running from August 16 to September 1, with free performances every Tuesday through Sunday in Edgerton Park, the production will begin as the sun sets on the park, with an official start time of 8PM. Come early and grab a seat in the park, the natural beauty of which, coupled with powerful on-stage performances, creates an atmosphere of shared reflection and communal spirit.
Whether you’re a longtime lover of Shakespeare or new to his works, this is more than just a night at the theater. It’s a celebration of coming together, of finding strength in our shared stories, and of discovering hope in the face of adversity. Join Elm Shakespeare in the park for a night of inspiration, connection, and the magic of live performance.
