Shakespeare by the Sea (SBTS) will present its 16th season this summer, featuring professionally-crafted works of William Shakespeare in 21 parks around Southern California. This year, the company's visit to Farnsworth Park will perform a play never before offered in the San Pedro troupe's history: "King John," a larger-than-life drama about contention for raw power in medieval Europe.
A rarely performed play, this is a “Game of Thrones” set in the days of the Plantagenet dynasty. Competing interests posture and strategize to build and ruin alliances through persuasion and deception for king and country – all in the context of the battle for a certain fortified city in France. Shakespeare’s text makes this historic contention spring to life with inspired characters and dialog, if not historical accuracy. “King John is a real character from history, but the play is a fictitious story. It’s an interesting juxtaposition of many characters from the Medieval period, not all of whom lived at the same time,” notes Stephanie Coltrin, who directs the play. “Shakespeare puts together the elements of compelling drama with the extraordinary imagery and humanity that he is known for, sometimes at the expense of the history lesson.” Stephanie will also record her experience directing KING JOHN in a blog posted on the SBTS web site.
Founded in 1998, and funded entirely by donations and grants, Shakespeare by the Sea brings contemporary and classic works to underserved, culturally diverse audiences in order to ignite imagination, promote literacy and encourage artistic expression. This season’s performances are made possible through the support of Associate Sponsors Target and PBS SoCaL who is generously partnering with SBTS to promote the season in conjunction with their Shakespeare Uncovered National Community Outreach initiative. Additional support is provided by the Orange County Community Foundation, Union Pacific Railroad, KPCC 89.3 FM, Pacific Life Foundation, Supervisor Don Knabe, and The Los Angeles County Arts Commission. The San Pedro performances are made possible in part by a grant from the City of Los Angeles, Department of Cultural Affairs. More sponsors will be needed to complete the funding to produce this season’s offerings.
The troupe will also be performing "King John" and "All's Well that Ends Well" in Glendale and South Pasadena. Tour location details and dates are available at www.shakespearebythesea.org/locations. "King John" will be performed at the Farnsworth Park Amphitheater on Friday, July 5, at 8 PM. Admission is free.
