Backyard Bard
Adapted and Directed by Garth Ball
ABOUT BACKYARD BARD
Backyard Bard presents two stripped-down productions of Shakespeare’s plays, each one hour long, and both performed by a small ensemble of versatile actors.
Backyard Bard was born out of a desire to bring Shakespeare to smaller parks and new audiences in underserved neighborhoods. But we don’t just perform in the parks – Backyard Bard is also available for private parties. If you are interested in hosting a performance, contact us at greenstage@greenstage.org.
Quickly becoming one of GreenStage’s most popular programs, this year Backyard Bard features a cast of five intrepid and versatile actors playing all the roles in two abbreviated versions of Shakespeare’s most beloved comedies.
The Tempest
About the Play
Exiled on a mysterious island, usurped Duke Prospero conjures a storm to shipwreck his enemies and finally get his revenge. When his daughter Miranda falls in love with a stranded prince, Prospero must choose between his past and her future. And even the sorcery of the island is no match for the power of young love. Magic, romance, and supernatural creatures cast their spell in Shakespeare’s wondrous masterpiece about redemption and the power of forgiveness.
The Two Noble Kinsmen
About the Play
Nothing turns best friends into bitter rivals like a love triangle. Arcite and Palomon soon learn that the hard way when they both fall for the same woman. But before they can woo Emilia, they have to get out of prison. Condemned by Theseus but aided by the Jailer’s Daughter, the only solution is a winner-takes-all duel. Based on Chaucer’s “The Knight’s Tale,” and written with John Fletcher, Shakespeare’s final play probes the conflict between our desires and our destiny—even as it pokes fun at the lengths we go to in the name of love.
CAST
- Coming soon!
PRODUCTION TEAM
- Coming soon!