News Summary
Boston Common will host free performances of Shakespeare’s romantic comedy ‘As You Like It’ from July 23 to August 10. This marks the 29th year of Shakespeare on the Common, offering audiences a chance to enjoy this classic play outdoors. Directed by Steven Maler, the production features prominent themes of love, identity, and societal expectations, while also emphasizing community engagement and accessibility to the arts.
Boston is set to host free performances of “As You Like It,” a celebrated Shakespearean romantic comedy, from July 23 to August 10 at the iconic Boston Common. This marks the 29th year of the Commonwealth Shakespeare Company’s Shakespeare on the Common, an annual summer tradition that engages theater enthusiasts from around the region.
The performances will unfold at the Parkman Bandstand, with showtimes typically starting at 8 PM. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own blankets, chairs, and snacks to enhance their experience while enjoying the show outdoors. This initiative not only provides access to the arts but fosters community engagement through a shared appreciation of classic literature presented in a modern context.
Directed by Steven Maler, a founding artistic director of the Commonwealth Shakespeare Company, “As You Like It” weaves a tale of romance and adventure that is accessible to both longtime Shakespeare fans and newcomers alike. The play follows the journey of two star-crossed lovers, Rosalind and Orlando, as they navigate obstacles in a pastoral setting fraught with political unrest. These characters embody timeless themes of love, identity, and societal expectations, making the narrative relevant to contemporary audiences.
The production utilizes classic motifs such as first love, love at first sight, fake dating, and secret identities, elements that resonate with modern romantic comedies. Notably, Rosalind disguises herself as a young man for her safety in the forest, while simultaneously providing Orlando with lessons in flirting—an idea that mirrors contemporary issues of personal expression and identity. This inventive approach to the play’s dialogue, while maintaining its Shakespearean roots, invites the audience to engage with the characters in a relatable manner.
Key themes in “As You Like It” include freedom and community resilience, addressing the constructs of society that often dictate behaviors and appearances. The production aims to highlight these collaborative aspects while reflecting the modern challenges that communities face today. It suggests that despite external turmoil, the essence of human connection and appreciation for nature remains unwavering.
Among the cast are prominent actors such as Maurice Emmanuel Parent, who takes on the dual roles of Duke Senior and Duke Frederick, alongside Nora Eschenheimer as Rosalind and Michael Underhill portraying Orlando. Their performances deliver a vibrant representation of these timeless characters, engaging audiences through both humor and poignant reflections on love and identity.
The Commonwealth Shakespeare Company places a strong emphasis on accessibility, ensuring that all performances offer services designed to accommodate diverse audiences. This commitment underscores the company’s dedication not only to artistic excellence but also to inclusivity, allowing more individuals to experience the joys of live theater.
As the Commonwealth Shakespeare Company celebrates its 29th season of Shakespeare on the Common, Boston’s residents and visitors alike are invited to partake in this unique summer experience. The free performances of “As You Like It” promise to deliver both laughter and thoughtful contemplation, reinforcing the importance of community and collaboration in navigating life’s complexities.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Boston Offers Diverse Free Events from July 21-27
Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular Set for Independence Day
Boston to Welcome Justin Willman’s ‘One for the Ages’ Tour
Kathy St. George Receives 2025 Elliot Norton Prize
Boston’s Summer Arts Guide Features Diverse Cultural Events
Commonwealth Shakespeare Company Presents ‘As You Like It’ in Boston
Boston Theater Gears Up for the 42nd Elliot Norton Awards
Cultural Events Bloom in New England This Spring and Summer
Boston Prepares for the 4th Annual New Works Festival
Additional Resources
- Axios: As You Like It – Commonwealth Shakespeare Company
- Timeout: Shakespeare on the Commons – As You Like It
- Broadway World: Shakespeare Company Intensive Workshop
- BC Heights: As You Like It
- Boston Globe: Free Things to Do in Boston
- Wikipedia: As You Like It
- Google Search: Shakespeare on the Commons
- Encyclopedia Britannica: As You Like It
- Google News: As You Like It Boston
