Free Shakespeare 2023: Cymbeline (July 22-August 6)

Submitted by the Event Organizer

July 22-August 6 / Fridays, Saturdays, & Sundays at 6:00 pm

For the 41st season of Free Shakespeare in the Park, SF Shakespeare Festival presents Shakespeare’s epic romantic adventure “Cymbeline”.

Believed to be one of his final plays, “Cymbeline” is widely considered to be one of his greatest achievements. It features a dazzling mix of comedy, tragedy, and fairy tale that concludes with inventive scenes of revelation and joyous reconciliation. The play was selected by the company’s Resident Artists, who felt that this play’s sweeping story would help remind us of the power of live theater and the joy of coming together to share an epic experience.

In this tale King Cymbeline of Britain has banished Posthumus, a commoner who has secretly married his daughter, Princess Imogen. A series of unimaginable misadventures ensue that test the strength of their commitment to each other.

Director Maryssa Wanlass is interested in the fairytale quality of this story, and wants to lean in to the archetypal characters and set the play in an alternate universe fantasy realm. Casting will reflect the many communities for which SF Shakes performs, and the main love story between Imogen and Posthumus will be told with a queer lens. Expect big performances, music, delicious villains and ultimately a family-friendly coming-of-age story.

The show runs approximately 90 minutes with no intermission. Health and safety protocols that are in place during the performances will be followed.

We at the Festival believe that Shakespeare experienced in a communal setting elates the soul, inspires the mind, and unifies those who sit beside each other. We hope that you agree and we look forward to seeing you this summer!

To make the show as widely accessible as possible, a recording of the performance will also be made available on a date to be announced.

Presented by San Francisco Shakespeare Festival

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.