July 09, 2004

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Publication Date: Friday, July 09, 2004

'Twelfth Night' on 10th night

Free Shakespeare in the Park is more than just no-cost entertainment in a lovely setting. It's an adventure in misadventure, partly modern day, partly set in the Bard's time, presented by the San Francisco Shakespeare Festival.

This year's production, the fifth to come to Amador Valley Community Park, is "Twelfth Night," directed by Kenneth Kellerher. It comes with this description:

"A riotous comedy of hopelessly unrequited passion and mistaken identity! Duke Orsino is in love with the noblewoman Olivia. She, however, has fallen for his servant Cesario, who is actually Viola, a woman disguised as a man, who loves Olivia: confusion is rife! Meanwhile, Olivia's arrogant steward Malvolio is cruelly tricked by her uncle Sir Toby Belch, his friend Sir Andrew Aguecheek and the maidservant Maria into believing his mistress loves him."

Free Shakespeare in the Park made its debut in 1983 in Golden Gate Park in San Francisco, and it now performs also in Oakland, Cupertino and Pleasanton. This year's production will feature live music performed by an on-stage ensemble that includes guitar, saxophone and piano.

The evening performances are a great chance for families and friends to enjoy picnic suppers along with their Shakespeare. Blankets and low chairs are welcome, and choice spots are often staked out well in advance.

Some concessions are available, with proceeds from authorized vendors going directly to Free Shakespeare in the Park. Extra restrooms are also provided. -Dolores Fox Ciardelli
Free Shakespeare in the Park

What: "Twelfth Night" Who: San Francisco Shakespeare Festival Where: Amador Valley Community Park, Santa Rita Road & Black Avenue When: 7:30 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays, July 10-25 Admission: Free

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