Added: 12/27/2005 |
River City Shakespeare Festival: never-ending gloryThe creations of William Shakespeare have millions of admirers all around the globe. There exist even Shakespearean Festivals in different countries. These Festivals produce plays of this outstanding writer and poet purposed to enlarge the popularity of his works. It may seem weird, but the biggest quantity of Shakespearean fans lives in America. The USA and Canada are the very countries where the works of William Shakespeare constitute the most of reading. The number of Shakespearean books published is the biggest here if compared to that in the rest of the globe.
It was in 1989 when Free Will Players Association appeared. This professional theatre company has its office in Edmonton, Canada. Its most famous activity is the River City Shakespeare Festival arranged at a 1100-seat Heritage Amphitheatre in Hawrelak Park, the biggest live theatre in Edmonton. The activity of Free Will Players during the River City Shakespeare Festival is based on modern interpretation of the texts, topics and characters of Shakespearean plays. The managers of the Festival have their own vision of these plays. They say that in XVII century the works reflected real people and true events of that time, so now they try to do the same, which fact ensures popularity of the Festival and its accordance with modern life.
The River City Shakespeare Festival makes the great heritage of the English writer closer and better understandable to people of all age groups and education levels. The ticket price here is the lowest among Canadian theatres, students and seniors being privileged by discounts. As for under-12-year old Shakespeare fans, they are free to enter. Besides, this largest Canadian Shakespeare Festival creates a number of job opportunities for professional and young theatre artists and technicians.
In 1998 the Camp Shakespeare was founded. Nowadays it is the best option to rest in summer for Canadian children aged 8 to 16. When in this camp, children get education, take part in different plays, and have a lot of fun and useful experience. Professional teachers show them the beauty of the theatre world and help them find their own style. Besides, the best students may also partake in real performances at the River City Shakespeare Festival together with professional artists.
Throughout the period of its existence, the Festival has won a lot of prizes and rewards. It is very popular not only among Americans, but also all around the world, and people come there from far-far away to enjoy favourite plays. The singularity of performances at the Festival is in the theatre itself. In fact, the Heritage Amphitheatre is an outdoor theatre, so you are advised not to forget a blanket when going to a performance. Only imagine how romantic it is to sit on the green grass, the shoulders covered with a warm blanket, and watch the show. It will surely leave a deep imprint in your heart and memory.
Canada is also the home for other Shakespearean Festivals, no less admired than the Edmonton's one. For example, Stratford Festival of Canada attracts audience of more than 600,000 people annually. The season lasts from April to November, and it is rather hard to find free places at the theatre because of quite a few guests and fans. The Stratford Festival is rather old, its history going back to 1952. Since that time professional artists and actors give pleasure to those fond of theatre. If you long for cultural rest you probably won't find a better place for your vacations than Canada and its famous Shakespearean Festivals.
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