Friends of Herter Park welcomes the community to three days of FREE Shakespeare in an idyllic setting, along the Charles River in Allston, at the newly renovated Amphitheatre at Herter Park, the Friends group announced.
The group sent out the following announcement:
Brown Box Theatre seeks to use performance as a way to reach new communities, share diverse stories, and spark conversation. “Theatre shouldn’t exist in a bubble,” says Artistic Director Kyler Taustin. “Geography and cost should not exclude people from cultural opportunities.” In keeping with this model, Hamlet will serve as the inaugural production for the newly revitalized Christian Herter Park, marking a significant victory for accessible theatre and creative spaces in the city.
Former Producing Director of the Publick Theatre, Susanne Nitter, said
“This is what we’d always hoped for – that the amazing legacy of the arts in this magical place, on this island – would continue. They’re absolutely vital to our communities, the profound connection that culture brings – and it’s not hyperbole to say we need them more than ever. Now, thanks to the Friends of Herter
Park & Brown Box theatre project, Hamlet’s back!”
FoHP’s Board President Michelle Ciccolo agrees. “In the current political climate, access to the arts is critical because it brings communities together,” Ciccolo said. “We need to focus on arts and culture to combat divisiveness.”
As a volunteer-led, not-for- profit, Friends of Herter Park is to enhancing community spaces within Herter Park — concentrating phase 1 efforts on the renovation and reactivation of the Amphitheater — and promote them as cultural and recreational resources for the well-being of all. FoHP are actively forming partnerships with the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, the Department of Conservation and Recreation, the community, and other public and private neighborhood stakeholders. Dozens of Volunteers spent 100s of hours under the direction of board members, and partners at the Charles River Conservancy, renovating the stage and the seating for 375 patrons in addition to caring for the grounds, which provide additional vantage points for enjoying cultural programming at the Amphitheater. This phase of renovation work was funded
by the Solomon Foundation.
The July 15th kick-off event saw more than 200 community members enjoy several music acts, family improv, a bike demonstration by CommonWheels, and children’s music sing-a-longs. Through a programming grant from the Ciccolo Family Foundation, Friends of Herter Park are delighted to be launching a small run of varied community arts and cultural programming this year beginning with Hamlet in August.
PERFORMANCE LOCATIONS AND TIME: August 11-13 – Christian Herter Park | 1175 Soldiers Field Road, Allston, MA 02134
All performances begin at 7:30 p.m.
All performances are FREE and open to all audiences. No reservations required.
Hamlet will be performed outdoors; seating is on the lawn and in stadium seating/benches. For your comfort, feel free to bring a blanket, cushion, or lawn chair. For rain locations and more information, please visit www.brownboxtheatre.org.