Shakespeare in the Wild opens 3rd Season

Poetry moves people differently than any other art form; it has rhythm and patterns and rhymes that connect in a way similar to music. William Shakespeare used poetry and melded it into a long form narrative; he was one of the first, and many would argue the best at doing so. His stories are universal, telling of love, revenge, and ego; and it is for these reasons that his work is still relevant to this day. At least, that is what the creative force behind Shakespeare in the Wild (SIW) believes.

In 2022, a new production company took the stage, or rather built a stage in an underutilized field behind Goodson Recreation Center in Centennial. Where most theater is performed in formal spaces, with proper seats and a clear delineation between the audience and the actors, SIW does away with those pretenses. And while this model was originally a factor of budget and logistics, the company has embraced the format and in doing so has truly created something remarkable. The creative team behind SIW realize that storytelling is central to who we are as a society and seeks to tap into the campfire motif in which a group of friends gather together to listen to a great story.

The “Wild” in the organization’s name refers to a number of things. Besides the natural and picturesque setting, when it comes to Shakespeare, suburban Denver is indeed the wilderness. There are few performances, and no other theater companies that exclusively celebrate the Bard’s vast works. Many if not most residents in this area have not experienced live Shakespeare, and for those who have it’s likely been a very long time.

SIW invites you to bring your blankets, lawn chairs, picnics, (and bug spray) and join them for a performance of the comedy, “Twelfth Night”. The company features some of Denver’s finest professional performers and was recognized by critic and journalist John Moore as “impeccable”. So “come as you are” with friends, family, and neighbors to experience one of the newest cultural treasures of our region. “Twelfth Night” will play in DeKoevend Park from August 16 – September 2, 2024; admission is free and audiences of all ages and backgrounds are welcome. For more info, visit the company website at Shakesinthewild.com.

(this blog post has been updated from an article that first appeared in Southwest Littleton Living

Magazine, published by Best Version Media, in July 2023)