Shakespeare by the Sea returns this summer, with two new plays being performed at Clover Point.
And while the players will be returning to the tent, director Robert Light has bigger plans for the future—a to-scale replica of Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre.
Light plans for the temporary venue to be three stories high and true to the London original, though constructed mainly of plywood in order to make assembly and disassembly each summer easier.
With proper funding, around $200,000, Light estimated, Victoria could have its own Globe Theatre in three to five years—at least for two months of the year.
“Using tents gives the performances a very modern feel,” Light said, “but when we say you can walk through Shakespeare’s doors, right into renaissance England, people get very excited.”
This year, Light will be returning to the usual tent to direct both plays: Macbeth and The Comedy of Errors. Light previously directed A Midsummer Night’s Dream in 2011 and 2012, as well as Romeo and Juliet in 2012.
While the venue may have not changed, the crew will make use of three new fulcrum-operated instruments, which will allow Macbeth’s witches to “fly” into the stage.
The third annual Shakespeare by the Sea takes place at Clover Point from July 3 to Aug. 3. Macbeth will be performed at 7 p.m. on Thursdays and 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Saturdays. The Comedy of Errors will be performed at 7 p.m. on Fridays and 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Sundays. Tickets are $25 and will be available at the door or by phone at 250-213-8088.