Local Literary Events Create New Chapter for Houston Shakespeare Festival

Houston Public Library, Brazos Bookstore Hosting Events Dedicated to the Bard

The Houston Shakespeare Festival (HSF) is opening a new chapter in its efforts to celebrate the works of its namesake. This summer, Houstonians can learn more about the Bard during a several pre-festival events hosted by Brazos Bookstore (2421 Bissonnet) and Houston Public Library (500 McKinney St.). Members of the HSF company and University of Houston faculty are leading these free events that offer readings, discussions and films.

 “These events are an extension of this wonderful festival that the University of Houston School of Theatre & Dance has produced for more than 40 years,” said Rob Shimko, the festival’s executive director. “They’re just another way that we can share Shakespeare with the community and offer different perspectives on his plays. We’re pleased to partner with both Brazos Bookstore and the Houston Public Library to deliver fun and insightful programming to audiences of all ages.”

Brazos Bookstore and the Houston Public Library events will take place June 25 – Aug. 1. A schedule of events is as follows:

  • June 25: Brazos Bookstore – “Shakespeare’s Verse,” readings and discussion led by HSF artistic director Jack Young (2 p.m.)
  • June 29: Brazos Bookstore – Readings and discussion on “Henry V,” led by HSF associate dramaturg Weston Twardowski (7 p.m.)
  •  July 6: Brazos Bookstore – Readings and discussion on “Much Ado About Nothing,” led by HSF associate dramaturg Rob Kimbro (7 p.m.)
  • July 28: Houston Public Library – Story to Screen presenting “Clueless” (7 p.m.)
  • July 30: Houston Public Library – Story to Screen presenting “Romeo and Juliet” (7 p.m.)
  • Aug. 1: Houston Public Library at the School of Theatre & Dance: “Even in Paradise,” reading, book signing and Q&A with author Elizabeth Nunez. (6:30 p.m.)

The 2016 Houston Shakespeare Festival will present free performances of “Much Ado About Nothing” and “Henry V” July 29 – Aug. 7 at Miller Outdoor Theatre (6000 Hermann Park Dr.). For performance information, visit the festival’s website. Details on tickets and the venue can be found on the Miller Outdoor Theatre website.

The Houston Shakespeare Festival was founded in 1975 by Sidney Berger, UH professor emeritus and longtime director of UH’s School of Theatre & Dance. Since its inception, the festival has entertained thousands of Houstonians and attracted national theater talents. Previous HSF performers include Seth Gilliam, OBIE-award winner Brandon Dirden, Crystal Dickinson, Mirron Willis, Ken Ruta, Mark Metcalf and Cindy Pickett. Festival alumni also include film and television star Brett Cullen and actor/writer Robert Wuhl, who both participated while attending UH.