The Public Theater announced on Tuesday that Shakespeare in the Park, the free outdoor event that takes place annually at the Delacorte Theater in Central Park, will return in July with an adaptation by William Shakespeare Merry Wives of Windsor. Last year’s presentations were canceled due to the pandemic.
“People want to celebrate,” said Oskar Eustis, the artistic director of the Public Theater who was hospitalized with the coronavirus last March, to the NY Times. “This is one of the great ways for the theater to celebrate.”
On its website, Teatro Público announced that they have been preparing since last year – “We are producing new works and preparing a safe return. We regret, expand, innovate, support our communities and connect our city. We brought together brilliant artists to imagine the summer under the stars in Central Park. “The season runs from July 5th to August 29th.
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The production will be a “joyful new adaptation of Jocelyn Bioh … set in South Harlem amid a vibrant and eclectic community of West African immigrants, Cheerful wives it will be a celebration of Black joy, laughter and vitality. A New York story about the tricks of the heart, performed in the heart of the city. “
This version, according to the Times, will feature “Falstaff as an African American who seeks to court two married women who are immigrants from West Africa.”
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The pandemic forced Broadway and other theaters to close abruptly in March 2020. (The audience turned Shakespeare into the Park last summer to be Shakespeare on Radio, with a four-part broadcast of Richard II on WNYC, Gothamist’s radio platform.)
New York State is now allowing arts and entertainment venues to reopen to limited capacities, and Teatro Delacorte – based on current guidelines – would be allowed up to 500 participants in its outdoor space. The Times reports that the public expects these numbers to increase, which is a reasonable expectation, given that Governor Andrew Cuomo has already increased indoor meals to 50% since March 19.
“In partnership with the municipal authorities, health and safety experts and our theatrical unions, the presentation schedule, safety protocols and details of the free distribution of tickets will be released in the coming weeks”, declares Público on its website.