Island Shakespeare Fest Opens July 23-Sept. 6 for a Jam-packed Summer Season

Island Shakespeare Festival (ISF) presents the world premiere of Erin Murray’s  Robin Hood of Sherwood Forest and William Shakespeare’s Macbeth in rotation from July 23 through Sept. 6. All of its 1 pm and 6 pm performances are on its beautiful outdoor forest stage in Langley. (Robin Hood previews July 23 and Macbeth on July 24, with openings on July 25 and 26.)

Robin Hood of Sherwood Forest | by Erin Murray

How far would you go to build a better world?

In a world hungry for a hero, a humble outlaw answers the call. In Murray’s new play, Robin Hood of Sherwood Forest follows Robin as he defies Prince John's unjust rule with humor, heart and high adventure. It’s joy as rebellion in a play director Aili Huber says is the perfect time to present our country with a much-needed hero.

“We have the world's first trillionaire, and twenty percent of American children live in poverty,” says Huber. “We need a hero, and this ancient story offers the best one for this moment.”

Productions of  Robin Hood the world over feature archery and trickery, daring escapes and true love, but Huber says that Murray’s play offers much more than that.

“In ISF's Robin Hood of Sherwood Forest,  Murray adds a focus on a leader who views his role as being to support and serve his community, in contrast with the tyrannical Prince John, whose interests are solely in his own power and wealth. The joy of the Merry Folk of Sherwood grows out of their love and care, and Robin's constant encouragement to be excellent to each other,” the director says. 

With music, laughter, hijinks and swordplay under the summer sky, ISF’s Robin Hood of Sherwood Forest reminds us: leaders aren't born — they're forged out of a concern for others. This production invites us to look at our own communities and ask, “How can we lead with service?”

Macbeth | by William Shakespeare

Director Jackie Apodaca asks the question of Shakespeare’s Macbeth:  What drives a man to murder for a crown? What if Macbeth isn't ruthless, but simply overlooked - an aging soldier grasping for one last chance to make a difference in a world ruled by nepotism and folly?

“In a field in France, angels appeared to a thirteen-year-old farm girl, urging her to lead armies into war. Surely, her fierce conviction on the battlefield provoked violence and slaughter,” says Apodaca.

“In a field in Scotland, supernatural messengers appeared to a seasoned soldier at the end of a great war, greeting him with a prophecy:  He will be king. Surely, this proclamation will provoke violence and slaughter. Joan of Arc is revered as a saint. Macbeth, on the other hand…” says the director.

This director questions why Macbeth shouldn’t be king. What if he has done everything asked of him – fought every battle, served his country faithfully – only to be passed over for the top job. Now in the third act of his life, Macbeth sees his final chance to make his mark and be remembered in a meaningful way. It’s all slipping away and he needs to act.

“On the outside of any tragedy, it is easy to separate right from wrong, good from bad. But from the inside?,” says Apodaca, “I hope audiences find new perspectives in our decidedly different production of Macbeth.”

Through raw physical storytelling, this Macbeth pulses with urgency, tenderness and the tragic cost of wanting to make an impact before it is too late.

Enjoy a picnic area, wine and beer garden, concessions, swordfight demonstrations, Shakes and Bakes and more ISF Beyond events, including a solo production of  King John, the Improv Shakespearience and more through Labor Day weekend.

All shows are pay-what-you-will so bring the whole family!

For more info, reservations and the calendar visit islandshakespearefest.org.