Freewill Shakespeare Festival Continues to Tour Amid Hawrelak Park Closure Edmonton, AB – Despite the closure of Hawrelak Park for urgent repairs, the Freewill Shakespeare Festival has found a way to continue its summer tour. Originally planned to take place in the park’s amphitheater, the festival has relocated its performances to various outdoor venues across Edmonton. The festival will still offer free, outdoor productions of William Shakespeare’s plays, including “Much Ado About Nothing” and “King Lear.” “We know that Hawrelak Park is a beloved spot for Edmontonians to enjoy a play in the summer, so we’re disappointed that we can’t perform there this year,” said Mary Irwin, Artistic Director of Freewill Shakespeare Festival. “But we’re determined to find a way to bring our shows to the people who love them.” The festival’s first performance will take place on July 13th at the Whitemud Equine Centre’s Amphitheater. Additional performances will be held at Fort Edmonton Park, Heritage Amphitheater, and Henrietta Muir Edwards Park. “We’re grateful to these venues for stepping up and offering their space,” said Irwin. “It shows that Edmonton values the arts and wants to support live performances.” The festival is taking extra precautions to ensure the safety of its patrons. Audience members will be required to maintain a safe distance from each other and face coverings are encouraged. “We want everyone to feel comfortable and safe while enjoying our shows,” said Irwin. “We’ve put a lot of thought into how to make this tour possible while still prioritizing public health.” The Freewill Shakespeare Festival is a non-profit organization dedicated to making live theater accessible to all Edmontonians. The festival has been operating for over 40 years and has performed for over half a million people. For more information on the festival’s tour schedule, visit www.freewillshakespeare.com.The Tempest Comes to Your Door: Freewill Shakespeare Festival Adapts to ChallengesThe Tempest Comes to Your Door: Freewill Shakespeare Festival Adapts to Challenges Amidst rocky seas, uncharted islands, and enchanting spells, the Freewill Shakespeare Festival brings the captivating tale of “The Tempest” directly to your doorstep. The festival has taken an innovative approach to celebrate its 35th anniversary due to construction delays at Hawrelak Park, their usual venue. Instead of an amphitheater, the entire production, set included, will move to a different community center each week for the next month. “It’s like transporting us back to the old days,” said Chariz Faulmino, who plays Miranda in the show. “It allows us to tell a story to different communities.” Despite the theater industry’s challenges, Freewill Shakespeare Festival remains committed to connecting with audiences. “We had to find a way to continue doing what we love, which is bringing Shakespeare to the parks,” said Artistic Director David Horak. The production features a gender-bending portrayal of Prospera, played by Nadien Chu. This is not the first time the company has used a traveling format. “It’s a wonderful way to connect with the audience,” said Chu. Adapting to logistical challenges, the festival will present only one production this year, “The Tempest,” which seamlessly combines comedy, tragedy, romance, and enchantment. The festival kicks off on June 20 at Crestwood Community League and will travel to Kenilworth, Lessard, and Sherbrooke before concluding on July 14. “Each community has its own unique flavor,” said Horak. The festival’s adaptability and dedication to sharing the magic of Shakespeare with the community is a testament to the enduring power of the arts.Freewill Shakespeare Festival Continues to Tour Amid Hawrelak Park Closure Despite the closure of Hawrelak Park due to flood damage, the Freewill Shakespeare Festival will continue its tour of Edmonton neighborhoods. The festival, which has been performing in Hawrelak Park for over 30 years, has adapted its schedule to accommodate the park’s closure. Performances will now take place in various parks and community centers across the city. “We were disappointed to have to move our performances out of Hawrelak Park, but we are committed to bringing free Shakespeare to Edmonton audiences,” said Artistic Director Michael Green. “We are grateful to the City of Edmonton and our community partners for helping us find alternative venues.” The revised tour schedule includes performances at: * August 11-14: City Hall Plaza * August 18-21: Bonnie Doon Park * August 25-28: Mill Creek Ravine Park * September 1-4: Rundle Park All performances will begin at 7:30 pm and are free to attend. The festival will feature a production of “Much Ado About Nothing” directed by Green. “We hope that by touring the city, we can bring the joy of Shakespeare to new audiences and continue to build on our strong tradition of connecting with the community,” said Green. For more information on the tour schedule and performance updates, visit the Freewill Shakespeare Festival website or social media pages.