Montana Shakespeare in the Parks offers two free shows

Henry V and As You Like It on the schedule for Sandpoint performances

By Reader Staff

For 53 years, Montana Shakespeare in the Parks has brought the timeless works of William Shakespeare on the road to rural communities across the West, offering free outdoor performances to anyone seeking a bit of culture.

This year, the renowned troupe will perform two of the Bard’s shows in Sandpoint: Henry V and As You Like It.

Henry V explores themes of justice, duty and mercy. The historical play tells the story of King Henry V of England, focusing on events immediately before and after the Battle of Agincourt during the Hundred Years War.

Part of Montana State University’s College of Arts and Architecture, MSIP will perform Henry V free on Sunday, Aug. 17 at 5 p.m. at Lakeview Park (801 Ontario St., in Sandpoint).

For their second local performance, MSIP will present pastoral comedy As You Like It. The play features heroine Rosalind as she flees persecution in her uncle’s court. Rosalind and her cousin Celia escape to the Forest of Arden where they find safety and, eventually, love.

As You Like It features one of Shakespeare’s most famous speeches by the melancholy traveler Jaques, who delivers the “All the World’s a Stage” soliloquy.

As You Like It will come to Lakeview Park on Tuesday, Aug. 19 at 5 p.m.

The program provides performances for rural communities and grade schools that might not otherwise have access to free theater of MSIP’s quality.

“Giving young people the opportunity to experience these shows is the cornerstone of what we do and is the reason we’re still around after five decades,” stated MSIP Executive Director Kevin Asselin.

By the time the summer has ended, the troupe of 11 actors — chosen from more than 400 who auditioned — will have concluded 79 performances in 65 rural communities. 

Every show is free and open to the public. Audience members are encouraged to bring blankets and low-backed chairs. Those with high-backed chairs are asked to sit in the rear so as not to obstruct views of the stage. Picnics are also encouraged, and don’t forget a warm layer for the bike ride home after the performance.

In the case of inclement weather or wildfire smoke, outdoor performances will be moved inside to the Sandpoint Middle School gymnasium (310 S. Division Ave.).

Visit montanashakespeare.org for more information and a full schedule of MSIP performances.