by Mathieu Powell
Writing Impacts
Want to see something as a family that will completely entrance your kids, (and pleasantly surprise parents too?) Check out the second annual Shakespeare By The Sea down at Clover Point. My family and I attended on July 9th and we enjoyed a quality, albeit wind whipped rendition of Hamlet.
I went there expecting to provide my children with a little culture. After all, what beats Shakespeare for culture? The genius progenitor of so many wonderful phrases such as “teeth set on edge”, a “tower of strength”, “in a fool’s paradise”, “laughed yourself into stitches” and “haven’t slept a wink” not only lends fecundity to my writing, it also pretty much describes being a father of three kids.
My oldest girl remembered a previous Shakespeare play we saw as a family and at first, she didn’t want to repeat the experience. I guess she figured if she wanted to watch two adults in the throes of highly animated conversation, all she had to do was watch her parents fight.
But we encouraged her, and we finally all agreed to go as a family. We were glad we did. We were all enchanted by the performance. It didn’t capture my three year old son’s attention every moment, but enough to keep his interest alive. (He especially enjoyed the skull, and he reveled in the fact that everyone died).
While my wife and I had heard good things, we were still pleasantly surprised at the quality performance of the “Bards on the Beach.” Great job!
I was hoping for an opportunity to meet with Robert Light, the Artistic Director, ut other agendas prevailed, so instead, I found an excellent interview by Matt from “The Marble”. http://goo.gl/98cz3u
Kids are free under 12 years old, so bring them along and enjoy the shows. This year features Tempest and Hamlet.
Note: Because Clover Point was too windy, Shakespeare By The Sea has moved to Ogden Point.
Mathieu Powell is Vancouver Island Now’s representative for marketing and advertising for the Great Victoria area. For more about advertising opportunities with Vancouver Island Now, click here.