There’s still plenty of warm summer nights left to enjoy Bard on the Beach, now in its 21st season. I was invited to a performance of Antony and Cleopatra this week and as a Bard first-timer greatly enjoyed the experience.
The theatre is mounted with an open back facing English Bay. As the sun begins to set, the colours of the sky coupled with the theatrical lighting makes for an ever-changing visual treat. The acting was excellent and this cast seems to work and interact well together.
I hadn’t seen a production of Antony and Cleopatra before, however with the help of the program guide’s overview, my husband and I were able to follow Shakespeare’s story, written in the 17th century.
As well, the set is simple, depicting the architecture of Rome and Egypt. Costumes and props are effective for the period, but not overdone. This is a beautiful but tragic love story brought to life by Andrew Wheeler’s Mark Antony and Jennifer Lines’ Cleopatra.
The play is performed Tuesdays thorugh Sundays in the 520-seat Mainstage tent in Kitsilano’s Vanier Park through September 24.
Tickets are going fast as the festival is approaching its final weeks. Antony and Cleopatra is directed by well-known Bard actor Scott Bellis, making his Bard directorial debut.
For more information on Antony and Cleopatra (as well as this season’s three other Shakespeare performances), visit Bard on the Beach online. Tickets are $38 and can be ordered online via phoning 604.739.0559.