Shakespeare in LA

The country’s youngest Shakespeare Troupe, Los Angeles Drama Club, expands its season to include four plays this spring, including FREE performances of The Tempest at Club Fais Do Do (5253 W. Adams Blvd). In addition, the company will present A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Two Gentlemen of Verona, and Richard III at the Lyric Theatre (520 N. La Brea Ave). The Drama Club has been presenting full productions of the Bard’s plays since 2004. Now, ten years later, the group is a thriving non-profit organization, with more than 100 young people, ages 6 to 18, from across the city, “growing up with the Bard.” Here’s a look at their upcoming schedule.

April 5 – 6: The Tempest
A deposed nobleman creates a magical life on an island for himself and his exiled daughter – what should he do when the opportunity for revenge arises? From betrayal and oppression to forgiveness and freedom, get ready for an afternoon filled with drama, music, humor, adventure and magic. Fais Do Do.

April 12 – 13: Midsummer Night’s Dream
A mysterious forest, ruled over by a Fairy King and Queen, a bunch of “civilians” rehearsing a play, and four young runaways who get caught up in it all. Imagine this commonly performed play, performed in an uncommon way, early “silent film era” style in the days when the expression on an actor’s face told everything and more! The Lyric Theatre.

May 3 – 4: Richard III
Come discover why and how Richard III continues to fascinate generations of audiences. As is our culture, multiple Players will divide up the title role – representing his splintered self. The Lyric Theatre.

May 10 – 11: Two Gentlemen of Verona
One of Shakespeare’s “romantic” (yet not so romantic) comedies, this play uncovers the possible disasters when one has to choose between loyalty to a friend and one’s own desires and agenda when the two are at cross-purposes. Full of iconic, large and colorful characters and lots of music, it includes one of Shakespeare’s first cross-dressing heroines, and a couple of scene-stealing clowns. The Lyric Theatre.

For more information about the season, visit www.losangelesdramaclub.com.