Shakespeare in the Park Kicks Off Summer Season at Grove Hall

On July 2 at 7 P.M., Grove Hall hosted Shakespeare in the Park, working alongside the Repercussion Theatre to present the outdoor performance for the second year in a row in the Chateauguay Valley.

This year’s performance? Shakespeare’s The Twelfth Night – Or What You Will directed by new Artistic Director Amanda Kellock. Huntingdon was the play’s first stop before they set off on a tour of Montreal’s bevy of outdoor parks.

For her inaugural season, Kellock chose Twelfth Night-Or What You Will to honour the very play that ignited her passion for both Shakespeare and Montreal’s Repercussion Theatre. Set in Tudor England, Shakespeare’s comedic play was originally written in celebration of the real life twelfth night—an evening where one was invited to celebrate the possibility of change during the last moments of the Christmas season.

The evening’s performance was vibrant and hilarious. Featuring passionate players, the company brought the colourful world of Shakespeare to life. Going into its 27th season, Shakespeare in the Park has become a favourite summer outing for Montrealers. This particular Shakespeare classic explores the story of a woman separated from her twin brother following a shipwreck, who she sincerely believes to be dead. The play follows the twins on a series of adventures that fortunately lead to love.

Using the Chateauguay River as a backdrop, the players set up the stage behind Grove Hall. The audience gathered round, getting cozy in camping chairs, and later, blankets, to enjoy the interactive show. Actress Gitanjali Jain, who played Lady Olivia’s fool Feste, lit up the stage with her beautiful voice, adding another dimension to the play. The actress transported the audience from the Grove Hall lawn to someplace far, far away where pirates roam and love can blossom—even if initially misguided.

For those that missed the performance, be sure to visit www.repercussiontheatre.com for a list of upcoming venues. Admission is by freewill donation and it is recommended that you bring a chair (and possibly a blanket).