Theatrical Blood and Tribute to Houston Art Featured in 2019 Houston Shakespeare Festival

UH-Produced Festival Runs Aug. 2-11 at Miller Outdoor Theatre

"Julius Caesar"
(l-r) Philip Kershaw, Rachel Cendrick, Dean Coutris and Ethan Lyvers in this 2019 Houston Shakespeare Festival production of "Julius Caesar."
"As You Like It"
(l-r) Laura Frye Banovez, Lauren Senechal and Andrés Felipe Roa in the 2019 Houston Shakespeare Festival production of "As You Like It."

The Houston Shakespeare Festival will use theatrical blood to enhance the dramatic moments on stage during this year’s production of “Julius Caesar.” The washable, stain resistant concoction consists of items you might already have in your home: dish soap, sugar-free chocolate syrup, sesame tahini and non-toxic paint.

In addition to presenting the historic tragedy, the UH School of Theatre & Dance will feature the romantic comedy “As You Like It.” The festival runs Friday, Aug. 2 through Sunday, Aug. 11 at Hermann Park’s Miller Outdoor Theatre. Performances start at 8:15 p.m. and are free and open to the public.

  • “Julius Caesar” directed by Jack Young – Aug. 2, 4, 6, 8, 10
  • “As You Like it” directed by Stephanie Shine – Aug. 3, 7, 9, 11

The set design for this year’s festival will offer audiences a real treat – an homage to Houston’s visual art scene through the use of lights and sound.

“There are elements within the ‘Julius Caesar’ set that art lovers might recognize if they were in The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston or The Menil Collection,” said Jack Young, HSF artistic director.

Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner will declare Aug. 2 “Houston Shakespeare Festival Day.” At-Large City Council members Mike Knox and Jack Christie will present the proclamation to mark the opening of the 2019 season.

The free performances at HSF are made possible through generous donations, and this year, audiences can text HSF to 71-777 to support FREE Shakespeare in Houston. Click here for more details about the Houston Shakespeare Festival. Information about tickets and the venue can be found on the Miller Outdoor Theatre website.

Learn more about these featured actors:

Winning Performer: David Huynh Talks Acting and Asians in Entertainment

From Accountant to Actor: UH Alumnus Makes Debut at Houston Shakespeare Festival