Shakespeare at Plantations: A Decade of Drama

The Ithaca Shakespeare Company (ISC) and Cornell Plantations celebrate 10-years of Shakespeare with two of the Bard’s best known plays performed in Plantations’ F.R. Newman Arboretum. The ISC will be performing Love Hurts: “The Taming of the Shrew” and “Romeo and Juliet” in rotating repertoire beginning July 12 through July 29, 2012.

For ten years, the beauty of Cornell Plantations has provided the perfect setting for the Ithaca Shakespeare Company’s productions.  In this 10th year of partnership, the ISC will transform Plantations’ Jackson Grove into a playhouse that would have made Shakespeare proud and that audiences have enjoyed for a decade.

Collaboration has been key to bringing the ISC’s performances to the stage in Jackson Grove. “One of the main reasons this project has been successful over the past ten years has been the way the Plantations staff has embraced it,” said Stephen Ponton, artistic director of the Ithaca Shakespeare Company. “Plantations Director Don Rakow has been an enthusiastic supporter of the productions from day one, and many other Plantations staff members have helped out in a wide variety of ways over the years, from stringing ropes up in the trees to managing parking at the performances.”

“We welcome the return of the Ithaca Shakespeare Company for a tenth season of performances at Cornell Plantations,” stated Dr. Don Rakow, the E.N. Wilds director of Cornell Plantations. “We feel privileged to have the plays mounted in this beautiful outdoor setting, just as the Bard intended for his works.  Plantations is committed to engaging local audiences in a variety of ways, from tours, to classes, to artistic offerings, all intended to educate, delight and enlighten.”

Mr. Ponton understands that performing outdoor theatre always has its challenges, but working in such a beautiful natural location has a tremendous positive impact on the performances. He says, “it's always a great moment when we first move out to the performance site from our indoor rehearsal space. Being out there under the trees and the sky (and sometimes the rain) immediately makes every scene feel bigger and more energized. The location truly becomes a part of the performance. The actors love it and are really grateful for the chance to share their love of Shakespeare with our audiences in such a magical environment.”

All performances start at 6:00 PM and will take place at Jackson Grove in the F.R. Newman Arboretum. Performances are “pay what you can”, but a $10 donation is suggested. Please bring lawn chairs, blankets, and umbrellas, as performances will continue during rain (the performances will be cancelled if lightening is present).  There is limited reserved seating available for $15.  For more information on advance purchase tickets or to learn more about the ISC please visit: www.ithacashakespeare.org.