2022 Festival Launch: Shakespeare’s Dystopia - What Will Be…
Shakespeare’s Dystopia - What Will Be…
April 28 through to May 15 2022
The 2022 Shakespeare on the River Festival takes on a futuristic twist with over 20 Dystopian events in 20 days. Are you ready?
Opening Night - Our official launch at The Stratford Courthouse Theatre. Featuring live performances, announcement of the winners in the Sheila Malady Short story competition, and our annual festival awards.
Groundwork Youth Theatre - You Should See Me In A Crown
A dystopian reimagining of King Lear set to the songs of Billie Eilish. The tragic tale of a family torn apart by greed and power, turning sisters, and countries, against one another. Who will make it out alive? Stratford’s own local youth theatre group return with yet another intriguing Shakespearean reinterpretation. Punchy, one hour performances by a talented, strong ensemble. Their shows are not to be missed! 3 performances only April 28-30 at The Stratford Courthouse Theatre.
Musical Nosh - Combining voice and movement with a hearty meal. This year local music/performing arts teacher Rachel Steinmann leads us in an afternoon of rhythm, soup and song. No previous musical experience is necessary. Tickets $15 includes lunch. Bookings essential. Saturday April 30th 12-3pm Stratford Mechanics Hall
Dramawerkz - Hello Archive
The world is ending and Tom absolutely refuses to save it. Instead, he gathers his friends in the town's old theatre to create an archive of their world: the stories, memories and classics that have shaped their lives so far. This visiting youth theatre company from Melbourne is coming for their third visit to our festival. Catch them in a double feature with our own Groundwork Youth Theatre on Saturday April 30 7,30pm
Avon Village Faire & Market Day - MayDay! Sunday 1st 10am-3pm on the Stratford Village Green, Cnr Dixon St & Railway Reserve Rd
In 2022 there will be a grand variety of traditional arts and crafts, food and beverages, fresh produce, together with exhibitions and displays.
Features of the day include the children’s games on the Village Green run by Groundwork Youth Theatre. Craft and lost trades demonstrations at The ArtCOLT. Two separate sound stages with performances by The Singers Songwriter Storytellers Stratford crew, upcoming young talent from Julie Ward Music classes and theatrical performances by Courthouse Kids.
Food vendors, art & craft stalls, and fundraising opportunities for many local community groups. Plus don’t miss the “Avonshire Teas” at the Historical Society.
There is still time to book a stall call Faire Day Coordinator Aynslie - 0405 633 456
Evensong - Sunday May 1 4.30pm
Evensong at the Holy Trinity Church is a Shakespeare on the River Festival tradition. Come along and celebrate this ecumenical service with us.
Community Players present - The Macbeths
In a post-apocalyptic world, two lovers try to find something to live for. When starting a family fails them, they choose power. But leading a violent society permits the question: is humanity worth fighting for?
With six performances across the second two weeks of the festival this new take on one of Shakespeare’s most well known plays pushes the Dystopian feel of our festival to its limits. Melbourne based theatre maker Emma Gough has crafted a bleak but powerful take on the classic theme of greed and made central to the story the fate of humanity itself. Come support the players that come from all walks of life in our community to strut their one hour upon the stage. Opens Friday 6th May
Bard’s Banquet - The Final Feast
A doomsday dinner like no other! In this not too distant dystopian future we gather for a banquet with The Macbeths to celebrate the apocalypse in style. It may be the end of the world as we know it but we feel fine. Dress in your best wasteland warrior garb or embrace the remnants of a bygone finery. We will feast, fight, fill our cups and dance the night away.
The ever popular Bard’s Banquet will once more give folk the chance to dress to theme. Tickets include a three course meal and entertainment. Wits End Bar by The Courthouse Theatre will be selling locally produced craft beer, wines and ciders. Saturday May 7th at 7.30pm. Book early to avoid missing out!
Combined Primary School’s Production - War of the Roses
The tussle for the English crown is played out between the Houses of York and Lancaster in a sporting battle for the English throne. A melodrama of Shakespeare's powerful first play of nationhood and power with the Henry VI trilogy and Richard III, featuring a brilliant young cast.
This event is impressive for the opportunity it provides young people plus its longevity, having now run for longer than people can remember! Best guess it is close to 30 years - as long as the festival itself. Darren McCubbin once again takes the helm, bringing together both local primary school’s Grade 6 students - a cast of 38 in total. We appreciate the difficulties that he has to overcome with Covid looming over planning, auditioning and rehearsals. The committee is thankful for his persistence and the support from St Patrick's Primary Stratford and Stratford Primary in ensuring this unique collaboration continues. May 10 & 11 at 1.30pm and 6pm on Friday 13th May at the Mechanics Hall.
As You Like It – Presented by the ASC Graduate Players
Returning to our festival for the first time in 7 years the ASC graduate players will tackle the much loved comedy As You Like It - a tale that begins with banishment to the woods of Arden, is filled with famous quotes, fools, fighting, crossdressing lovers and ends with not one but four weddings!
This production is the culmination of a 12 week intensive course provided by The Australian Shakespeare Company. The course is trying to create a bridge between drama school and the theatre industry. Giving students a chance to work with professional ASC staff, including directors, musical directors, choreographers and actors, they are coached in Shakespeare techniques and acting methodologies.
One performance only that wraps up our entire festival on Sunday May 15, 6.30pm at The Stratford Courthouse Theatre.
Be ready for the 2022 festival - something wicked this way comes!
The Shakespeare On The River Festival is sponsored by The Wellington Shire Council through a Community Assistance Grant, the festival gratefully acknowledges this support.