Shakespeare on the Common

Enjoy a free evening of Shakespeare in the park

Get ready for a magical evening of Shakespeare on the Common 2010 as the Commonwealth Shakespeare Company stages Othello, its 15th annual production of free Boston theater from July 28 through August 15.

Shakespeare on the Common is one of the most popular annual Boston events, and a huge favorite among free things to do in Boston in the summer.  

Comedy of Errors, the 2009 Shakespeare in the Park production

Performances take place Tuesday through Saturday at 8pm, and on Sundays at 7pm near the Parkman Bandstand on Boston Common. 

The 2010 play, Othello, is considered one of Shakespeare's greatest tragedies.  This timeless drama explores trust and betrayal, faith and doubt, love and hate. 

Directed by Steven Maler, Commonwealth Shakespeare Company's founder and Artistic Director, Othello stars Seth Gilliam as Othello, James Waterston as Iago, and Marianna Bassham as Desdemona. 

Eighteen Shakespeare on the Common performances are scheduled for 2010 in July and August, and are expected to attract around 100,000 people.   Without a doubt, this is one of the most popular Boston theater events of the year!

In case you're inwardly groaning at the idea of an evening of Shakespeare, rest assured that this is not the stodgy stuff that you may remember from high school. 

The high-energy performance mixes in plenty of bawdy jokes, and even songs and dance - perhaps not so different in spirit from how William Shakespeare's actors kept their diverse audience entertained in the Globe Theatre 400 years ago. 

Yes, Othello is a tragedy - but you can safely bet that Commonwealth Shakespeare Company will deliver a gripping performance.  Have dinner before the performance at one of the terrific Theatre District restaurants nearby, or stop by a local Boston nightlife spot afterwards for a perfect summer evening.

What to bring for Shakespeare on the Common

What should you bring to the free performance?

At a minimum, bring a blanket to sit on. The elevated, well-lit stage is at the bottom of a gentle slope, so you should be able to see well from wherever you're sitting.  Some people also bring low folding chairs.

The area closest to the stage begins to fill up about 2 hours before the performance.  However, the lighting and sound systems make it easy for you to see and hear what's going on.

Lots of people bring picnic dinners, and along with something cold and refreshing to drink.  But if you don't have time to pack a dinner, don't worry.  Food vendors typically hail from some of Boston's favorite eateries, such as Upper Crust, Figaro's, and Ben and Jerry's. 

A bit about Commonwealth Shakespeare Company

This year's performance marks Commonwealth Shakespeare Company's second year after returning to being a fully independent organization.  A former 5-year partnership with Citi Performing Arts Center ended as the economic meltdown in 2008 brought significant funding cuts. 

The Company has returned to its roots as a non-profit organization responsible for raising all of its own production funds.  The 2009 Shakespeare on the Common season looked shaky at first. 

However, local businesses, individuals, the City of Boston, and Mayor Tom Menino rallied around this much-loved event and helped founder / director Steve Maler raise the required funds, and the season was a huge success.  If you want to donate, you can do so on Commonwealth Shakespeare's website.

Even the Boston Common Garage - the most convenient place to park if you drive to this event - contributes a couple of dollars from each (cheap!!!) parking fee on performance evenings. 

Commonwealth Shakespeare Company is committed to bringing the works of William Shakespeare alive in contemporary, free performances for the people of Boston. 

If you're lucky enough to be visiting during the weeks when Shakespeare on the Common is underway, do put this near the top of your "things to do while in Boston" list. 

It's free, it's entertaining, and it's a wonderfully relaxed evening of enchantment under the stars.

Insider tips

Alcoholic beverages are prohibited in Boston parks.  However, you may notice a number of discrete thermoses and other beverage containers among the rather mellow crowd.

Details about Shakespeare on the Common

Location:   Near the Parkman Bandstand and ball field on Boston Common.  The Bandstand is behind Frog Pond, near the center of the Common.

Dates and times:  July 28 - August 15.  Tuesday - Saturday performances of Shakespeare on the Common start at 8pm, and Sunday performances start at 7pm. 

Cost:  Free; public of all ages invited

For more information:  617-426-0863;  website

Nearest T station:  Green and Red Lines/Park Street

Parking:  Boston Common Garage, entrance on Charles Street between Boston Common and the Public Garden.  I personally love this spacious, well-designed underground garage - it always provides the best cheap parking in the area ($11 after 4pm!) - but as icing on the cake last summer, it donated $2 from each parking fee on performance evenings to the Commonwealth Shakespeare Company.   Hopefully it will do this again in 2010!