Outdoor, open-air Shakespeare: It’s a summer staple unlike any other. When you step out of the Park Street MBTA station in Boston, you look out over the Common, the oldest park in the United States and 50 acres of park area. On these particular nights during the summer — July 16 through August 4 — hordes of people spread out over this central location to attend Shakespeare on the Common.
This summer, the Commonwealth Shakespeare Company presented William Shakespeare’s The Winter’s Tale. Directed by Bryn Boice, this production brings Leontes, Polixenes, and Hermione alive with a modern twist.
Dressed in a gray three-piece suit, Leontes accuses his pregnant wife of cheating on him with Polixenes, a childhood friend and another local king. In true Shakespeare style, rather than listen to his wife or even his kingsmen, Leontes tries to have Polixenes poisoned and imprisons Hermione, separating her from her son. Nael Nacer plays his Leontes with a deep paranoia of losing those around him and losing his power. His fear is made even more clear as his accusations echo throughout the park. The boom of his voice carries throughout — as perhaps Shakespeare intended — helping emphasize the emotion he brings to the role.
Hermione, on the other hand, played by Marianna Bassham, is strong and resolute, a solid matriarch while also pleading for her innocence, her life, and the allowance to reunite with her son. Rachel Padula Shufelt, the production’s costume designer, dressed Hermione in a regal fuschia gown. When we see her in prison later, Bassham has to do that much more to resemble the strong character while appearing in the height of dishevelment.
The production uses the atmosphere of the outdoor theater to continue to enhance The Winter’s Tale’s vibe. The audience sits spread out over the larger area surrounding the stage. Many in attendance are on rented lawn chairs while others sprawl on picnic blankets. When Polixenes, played by Omar Robinson, runs away from Leontes, he moves through the crowd and disappears into the darkness. The echoing voices enhance the experience as well. And while sirens and other city noises could be a distraction from Shakespeare, there’s something oddly fitting about the noises that adds to the show. Most notably, because Boston is smaller and darker than cities like New York, there are even a few stars visible while sitting in intermission.
While The Winter’s Tale is one of Shakespeare’s lesser-known shows, and despite some tragic elements, the play uses redemption, time, and magical elements to create a satisfying end, appropriate to the summery nature of Shakespeare in Parks. This crew’s production incredibly effectively creates the build-up of emotion and the comedic aspects that eventually allows for the satisfying redemption and positive ending — though we won’t spoil it here.
Every aspect that could be created or altered by the company was created in thoughtful and inventive ways. This is true of sets, costumes, and actors. If it’s been years since you’ve experienced a Shakespeare production — or if you’ve never liked his plays — the Common’s Winter’s Tale is a wonderful reintroduction to the playwright.
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