This evening, Saturday, Aug. 1, the Connecticut River Museum’s Theater Along the River returns with the Flock Theatre production of William Shakespeare’s Titus Andronicus. Bring a picnic dinner and enjoy a summer evening with the Bard.
Murder, revenge, and a touch of madness all feature in ‘Titus Andronicus.’
Made possible by presenting sponsor Essex Wellness Center with additional support from Wells Fargo Advisors, Titus Andronicus is thought to be Shakespeare’s first tragedy. Written between 1588 and 1593, it was highly popular in its day but fell out of favor in the Victorian era due to its graphic violence. The story follows a fictional Roman Empire general named Titus through a cycle of revenge with Tamora, Queen of the Goths and is often viewed as Shakespeare’s attempt to emulate the revenge plays of his contemporaries.
Director of Flock Theatre, Derron Wood said that “Titus Andronicus is not for the faint of heart. It involves war, murder, horror, revenge, and a touch of madness.” Wood invites the public to “come see this rarely produced yet thrilling play performed under the stars along the Connecticut River.”
Connecticut River Museum Executive Director, Christopher Dobbs, said that “Flock Theatre is a master of Shakespeare. In June they stunned us with their original and creative interpretation of Twelfth Night.” Dobbs went on to note that “I can’t wait to see what kind of enchantment and theatrical craftsmanship they pull off this time.”
The museum’s grounds will open at 6 p.m. for picnickers to layout blankets and chairs. Museum staff encourage the audience to make the picnic part of the experience. In fact, there will be a special prize awarded to the “best” picnic arrangement.
Tickets are $15 for the general public and $10 for children (12 and under). No carry-in alcohol is permitted. Tickets may be bought at www.ctrivermuseum.org or at the door starting at 6 p.m. the night of the performance. Curtain opens at 7 p.m. with a rain date of Sunday, Aug. 2.
Flock Theatre is a professional, not-for-profit theatre company founded in 1989. The theater company is dedicated to creating original, collaborative and educational theater. Perhaps best known for their long-standing summer Shakespeare in the Arboretum, Flock Theatre performs year-round in a variety of venues, including their winter “nest” at the First Congregational Church, on the New London Pier, at the historic Shaw Mansion Museum and throughout New England.
The Connecticut River Museum is located at 67 Main Street, Essex and is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, call 860-767-8269 or go to www.ctrivermuseum.org.