Bard II: Shakespeare by the Sea returns July 5 with "King John"

 

Falsely accused, Hero faints in the arms of Beatrice as Benedick looks on in "Much Ado about Nothing," Shakespeare by the Sea's 2011 performance in Farnsworth Park.

 

by Timothy Rutt

Shakespeare will really get a workout at Farnsworth Park this summer, as Shakespeare by the Sea presents "King John" on July 5.

The all-volunteer company of actors will be touring several Southern California cities during the summer.  It joins the California Shakespeare Ensemble, which will also be performing this summer at Farnsworth Park.

Founded in 1998, and funded entirely by donations and grants, the San Pedro-based Shakespeare by the Sea presents contemporary and classical works to underserved, culturally diverse audiences in order to ignite imagination, promote literacy and encourage artistic expression. 

"King John" is a larger-than-life drama about contention for raw power in medieval Europe. It will be performed Friday, July 5, starting at 8 PM.  Admission is free.