Evansville’s Shakespeare in the Park Brings ‘Twelfth Night’ to Life
Shakespeare Is More Popular Than You Think, and You Can See It Live in Evansville This Weekend
There are two types of people in this world. Those who got excited about reading Romeo and Juliet in high school and those... well... who would rather watch the movie.
I will say, as a '90s kid, when Romeo + Juliet came out starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Claire Danes, my world was rocked. The scene when they see each other for the first time through the fish tank is still my all-time favorite movie scene. It really brought the story to life for me.
The colors, the acting, the cinematography, the music... ahh I have chills just thinking about it! Let's watch it together, shall we?
And I'm here to tell you that if you're more of a visual Shakespeare fan, that's OK! It can be tough to understand what's going on in a Shakespeare play since they were written in the late 1500s in Elizabethan English. But the universal themes, complex storylines, and memorable dialogue make Shakespeare unlike any other author. His stories are still everywhere today.
In fact, a quick search revealed several movies I know and love that are based on Shakespeare's plays.
Movies You Didn't Realize Were Based on Shakespeare
10 Things I Hate About You
Based on: The Taming of the Shrew
A modern high school romantic comedy starring Heath Ledger and Julia Stiles.
She's the Man
Based on: Twelfth Night
Amanda Bynes disguises herself as her brother so she can play soccer.
The Lion King
Inspired by: Hamlet
While not a direct adaptation, the story closely follows Hamlet's themes of a prince avenging his father.
West Side Story
Based on: Romeo and Juliet
A musical set in New York featuring rival street gangs instead of feuding families. Yep, even Disney jumped on the Shakespeare train.
So, even if you weren't the kid who wore an Elizabethan costume to prom, you might be more of a Shakespeare fan than you think.
See Shakespeare Come to Life in Evansville
I was surprised to learn there's a group right here in Evansville called the Evansville Shakespeare Players, and they put on Shakespeare in the Park performances throughout the year. This weekend, you can catch a live performance of Twelfth Night at Evansville-Vanderburgh Public Library West as they bring one of Shakespeare's most joyful and enchanting comedies to life.
According to the event page, the players invite you to travel to the Greek island of Illyria and be immersed in the funny, silly, and delightful story of Twelfth Night.
Separated from her twin brother in a shipwreck and cast ashore in a strange new land, the quick-witted Viola refuses to give in to despair. Disguising herself as a young man, she finds work with the charming Duke Orsino, only to be swept into a delightfully tangled love triangle full of mistaken identities and unexpected feelings. Bursting with humor, heart, and sharp observations on gender, class, and desire, this radiant romance celebrates the thrill and chaos of falling in love.
Shakespeare in the Park Event Details
WHO: Evansville Shakespeare Players
WHAT: 15th Annual Shakespeare in the Park featuring Twelfth Night
WHEN:
Friday, August 7 at 6:30 PM
Saturday, August 8 at 6:30 PM
Sunday, August 9 at 6:30 PM
WHERE:
Evansville-Vanderburgh Public Library West
2000 W. Franklin St.
Evansville, IN
WHAT TO BRING:
A chair or blanket, maybe a snack to share, and yourself. Donations are appreciated if you'd like to support the Evansville Shakespeare Players.
ADMISSION:
Admission is FREE, but donations are graciously accepted.
Free and Cheap Things to Do in the Tri-State
Gallery Credit: Ashley Sollars
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