For those who have enjoyed the past 10 years of free Shakespeare in the Park at The Barnacle, it’s time to get your Bard on again, as the Florida Shakespeare Theater is set to present Macbeth, Jan 17-19.
This year’s production covers the month of January with three shows at the Barnacle Historic State Park. Macbeth is a dark tale of love, and the burning desire for power at any cost, told through the eyes of a couple bound together in their ambition for the Scottish throne. Driven by the prophesy of three witches, and the schemes of his wife, Macbeth kills his king, claims his throne, thus beginning a moral descent into a reign of terror.
Written circa 1605-06, Macbeth is Shakespeare’s shortest but most beloved tragedy. It is a tragedy that also reveals the core of humanity in all of us.
There will be two evening shows, Friday and Saturday, Jan. 17-18, 8 p.m., and one twilight performance on Sunday, Jan. 19, 6 p.m.
Seating is limited, so it is best to arrive early. No tickets are necessary to enjoy the show, but a $5 donation is encouraged. Chairs are available for rental at $5. Outside food and beverage is permitted, but snacks are available onsite for sale. In case of rain, the performance will be held under the pavilion. No dogs are allowed.
“Macbeth is Shakespeare’s most accessible play,” said Colleen Stovall, artistic director.
“With plenty of sword fighting, ghosts, witches and magic, the plot races along at breakneck speed to its final conclusion. Audiences have enjoyed this play for over 400 years and with Seth Trucks playing Macbeth, I know tSouth Florida audiences will love it too.”
Stovall has grown Florida Shakespeare Theater, or “Florida Shakes” for short, from a local theater company performing in Coconut Grove’s Peacock Park to a month-long regional Shakespeare festival that provides free performances for more than 10,000 people a year at public park venues. She also serves on the board of The Barnacle Historic State Park.
The mission of The Florida Shakespeare Theater is to promote literacy, culture and a passion for the arts through free performances of the works of William Shakespeare.
The cost of a family attending a cultural event together has become prohibitively expensive for the average family in America. Schools have cut arts programming and field trips to see live performances. Often, the first live theatrical production a family in South Florida attends is a free Shakespeare in the Park event.
The Florida Shakespeare Theater’s goal is to produce professional productions of Shakespeare’s plays, and present them to the public in South Florida – free of charge.
Throughout the year, The Barnacle Society presents activities and events including outdoor films, concerts, and myriad other family fun and cultural events, including:
Jan. 11 – Under the Moonlight Concert, featuring “Four Shillings Short.”
Jan. 24 – Movies in the Park, featuring Captain Marvel.
Feb. 22 – Washington’s Birthday Regatta.
Apr. 4 – Commodore’s Birthday Party.
For general park information, volunteer opportunities, or to become a Barnacle Society member, visit www.thebarnacle.org or call 305-442-6866. Also visit www.floridastateparks.org/park/The-Barnacle. For theater production information, contact Stovall at shakesmiami@gmail.com.
The Barnacle Historic State Park is located at 3485 Main Hwy., Coconut Grove, FL 33133.
