The Internet’s a Stage During COVID-19

The Internet’s a Stage During COVID-19

Perhaps you’ve decided that as long as you’re inside during the quarantine, you might as well explore the poems and plays of William Shakespeare.

One way to approach such a project is to watch the videos being posted online by some of our beloved local theater groups and by some of the world’s most famous Shakespeare theater companies, most of it available for free.

Here in the Tri-state region, we are proud to have Shakespeare and Company in Lenox, Mass. Founding Artistic Director Tina Packer and author/company member Bella Merlin are posting videos at the company’s Facebook page in which they talk about their new book, “Shakespeare & Company: When Action Is Eloquence.” 

The book describes the history of the company (founded in 1978) and  explores essential questions about Shakespeare and his relevance to the modern world and about best practices in performing Shakespeare onstage. 

There are also video interviews about Shakespeare plays  and other productions, with actors, directors and more on the company’s website at www.shakespeare.org.

The Center for Performing Arts at Rhinebeck in New York is offering weekly sips of Shakespeare.  Artistic Director Kevin Archambault said, “We have been putting out new Shakespeare productions every week; check our website at www.centerforperformingarts.org. We also have a Zoom group on Saturday evenings at 7 p.m. where we read/act a Shakespeare show live. Reach out to us via Facebook for an invite.” 

Since we’re all living online anyway, there is no reason not to tap into the world’s best Shakespeare resources, beginning (obviously) with the Globe Theatre (now known as Shakespeare’s Globe), which was the Bard’s home base, so to speak.

There are many options for watching Shakespeare plays live at the website www.shakespearesglobe.com; when you get to the home page, click on “watch” to see your options. 

I particularly enjoyed the Love In Isolation videos — especially the one where actor Stephen Fry reads Sonnet 29 in a way that helps you finally understand what it’s about and why everyone loves it so much. Fry by the way is author of a wonderful guide to poetry, “The Ode Less Travelled.”

Back on this side of the pond, there is a treasure trove of free Shakespeare available from the Folger Shakespeare Library, at www.shakespeare.folger.edu/shakespeares-works. 

You can read all the plays and poems and there are audio recordings — available online until July 1 — of most of the best-loved plays, including “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” “Othello,” “Romeo and Juliet,” “Macbeth” and “Hamlet.”

New York City’s Public Theater created a Brave New Shakespeare Challenge online at www.publictheater.org/news-items/buckets/Features/brave-new-shakespeare-...

One of the highlights is hearing author/singer/rascal Steve Earle reincarnate Sonnet 29 as a blues song, in Week One of the challenge. 

North of us, in Ontario, Canada, is one of the world’s premier Shakespeare festivals, at the Stratford theater. Productions posted online include “Macbeth” (available until May 21),  “The Tempest” (May 14 to June 4), a modern interpretation of “Coriolanus” (until May 21) and more. Go to www.stratfordfestival.ca.

Most of these sites also offer helpful scholarly guides to Shakespeare’s work.

Latest News

Busking in the Berkshires
Brent McCoy of Secret Circus Show at Berkshire Busk!
Roman Iwasiwka

While playing outside in the early post-pandemic days, Berkshire Busk! founder Eugene Carr had an epiphany: why not expand the idea of performing on the street (aka busking)into a full-fledged festival in Great Barrington?

As an entrepreneur and cellist, Carr envisioned a well-organized jamboree featuring regional talent, including musicians, acrobats, storytellers, fire-eaters, and more. He formed a team, connected with local businesses and the town of Great Barrington, and launched Berkshire Busk! in 2021. Since then, Berkshire Busk! has grown into a summer staple for Great Barrington.

Keep ReadingShow less
'Sylvia' brings heart, humor and one unforgettable dog to Sharon Playhouse stage

What if the dog onstage was played by a person? That’s the delightful twist in A.R. Gurney’s “Sylvia,” opening at the Sharon Playhouse on Aug. 29. In this clever and heartfelt comedy, the title character — a stray pup who disrupts the lives of a married couple — is portrayed not in costume but by an actor who brings insight, charm, and chaos to the role.

Stepping into Sylvia’s paws is Jen Cody, who is returning to the Sharon Playhouse in a starring role for her third year in a row, ready to bring this spirited dog to life. She’s joined by Jonathan Walker as Greg, the middle-aged man smitten with his new four-legged friend, and Jennifer Van Dyck as Kate, his wife, whose patience and identity are tested by Sylvia’s sudden presence in their home.

Keep ReadingShow less
Labor Day weekend art, design and local finds

Paul Chaleff’s exhibit at Mad Rose Gallery in Millerton.

Provided

The unofficial end of summer is here, and while some of us may mourn the shortening days and cooler nights, the culturally-inclined denizens of the Litchfield Hills, Berkshires and Taconics have plenty to look forward to.

During Labor Day weekend, visit one of the offerings below, and maybe even take home a watercolor, rug, or locally-crafted wooden bowl to ready your home for the indoor season ahead.

Keep ReadingShow less