Houston Shakespeare Festival marks its golden jubilee with classic plays

The Houston Shakespeare Festival, the professional arm of the University of Houston’s School of Theatre & Dance, will celebrate its 50th anniversary season this summer with performances of two of William Shakespeare’s most beloved plays: “Romeo & Juliet” and “A Midsummer Night's Dream.”

The free performances will begin on August 1 at Miller Outdoor Theatre.

“The excitement for our 50th anniversary season pulses through our shops and rehearsal studios where nationally-acclaimed artists, including some UH alumni, and current students create imaginative and passionate productions of two of the world’s most beloved plays,” said Jack Young, HSF artistic director and acting professor at UH’s School of Theatre & Dance.

“A Midsummer Night’s Dream” is described as Shakespeare’s beloved fairy tale of midsummer madness. It is an adventure into an enchanted forest filled with love, magic, and mischief where fantastical dreams blur with reality.

“Romeo & Juliet,” often regarded as the greatest love story ever told, is one of Shakespeare’s most well-known tragedies. The narrative follows two star-crossed lovers swept up by the hatred between their feuding families who believe their love can overcome the violence around them.

The Houston Shakespeare Festival was founded in 1975 by Dr. Sidney Berger, UH professor emeritus and longtime director of the UH School of Theatre and Dance, who passed away in 2013. Since its inception, the festival has entertained more than one million Houstonians. It is a professional equity acting company that provides a select group of UH student artists with the opportunity to learn acting and design alongside seasoned professionals.

"We’re grateful for the chance to extend the legacy of all the artists who have been a part of this work for the past half-century and for the generosity of the people of Houston whose support gives us all the chance to come together to share in these amazing performances,” Young said.

“A Midsummer Night’s Dream” will be performed on August 1, 3, 5, 7, and 9 at 8:15 p.m., preceded by Bard Talk at 7:45 p.m. “Romeo & Juliet” will be performed on August 2, 6, 8, and 10 at 8:15 p.m., also preceded by Bard Talk at 7:45 p.m.

A livestream of the performances will be available online.

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