Free 80s-Themed Shakespeare in the Park: Two Gentlemen of Verona (San Jose)
Willow Street Frank Bramhall Park | 1320 Willow Street, San Jose, CA 95125
Event Details
Jun 12-28, Fridays-Sundays at 7:00 PM
Silicon Valley Shakespeare presents THE TWO GENTLEMEN OF VERONA as its FREE Shakespeare in the Park production, reimagined as a high-energy, vibrant 80s world. Directed by South Bay theatre veteran Tom Gough, whose decades of directing, performance, and artistic leadership have made him a respected force in the region’s theatre community.
For decades, Silicon Valley Shakespeare has offered free classical theatre to the South Bay, and this summer continues that tradition with a bold, retro-infused take on one of Shakespeare’s earliest comedies.
The 1980s setting is more than an aesthetic choice for Tom Gough. It offers a personal lens into the emotional world of the play. “Evidence, love, attraction, and relationships are themes central to the narrative drive of this play,” says director Tom Gough. “Without question, the 80s were a time of life for me when those elements were significant, dynamic, resplendent with wonder, possibility, and uncertainty. Many of the pop-culture works of that time clearly correlate with features present in this play.”
This fast-paced production captures the thrills and confusions of youth, blending Shakespeare’s comedic love story with the fearless spirit of the decade. Expect funny, heartfelt, and unruly hijinks. With nods to 80s pop culture, music, and coming-of-age energy, the production offers a playful new lens on one of Shakespeare’s most exuberant early works.
As one of the region’s few companies still offering free professional classical theatre, Silicon Valley Shakespeare remains committed to access. At a time of mounting financial pressures for arts organizations, sustaining free admission is both a community promise and a cultural statement.
Admission is free. Donations are welcome and essential to support the future of free Shakespeare for all.
Rated E for the Entire Family.
Like, this is one summer event that’s gonna be totally righteous.
Presented by Silicon Valley Shakespeare
Disclaimer: Please double check event information with the event organizer as events can be canceled, details can change after they are added to our calendar, and errors do occur.
Cost: FREE*
