"The very best summer thing."
-- Warren Greenwood, Ithaca Times
This summer, we'll be pairing the most popular of Shakespeare's plays in his own time with the most popular one in ours! It's a pairing not to be missed...
The second installment in our epic sequence of Shakespeare's history plays, combining material from Henry IV Parts 1 and 2.
Having taken the throne for himself, Henry Bolingbroke must deal with rebellions on every side — including those led by the very allies who helped him gain the throne. Making matters worse, his unruly son would rather spend his time carousing in the taverns with Falstaff than behave like a prince.
The most popular of Shakespeare's plays in his own time, Henry IV is comedy, drama, history, and adventure all rolled into one. The rowdy comedy of Falstaff and his tavern mates blends into a moving exploration of the relationship between father and son, all leading up to a climactic battle between the two greatest warriors in the country...and a heartbreaking decision for young Prince Hal.
Shakespeare's most magical play, and perhaps the most perfect theatrical comedy ever written!
Quarreling lovers, feuding fairies, a mischievous hobgoblin, and a hapless band of wanna-be actors come together in the forest, with hilarious results...
Read the Ithaca Times preview article on the shows
Read the Ithaca Journal preview article on the shows
These Summer 2015 productions are part of our 3-year celebration of
2014 was the 450th anniversary of Shakespeare's birth.
2016 is the 400th anniversary of Shakespeare's death.
In celebration of these anniversaries, the Ithaca Shakespeare Company is embarking on an ambitious 3-year exploration of plays that for various reasons hold a special place among Shakespeare's works.
Shakespeare's history series is perhaps his greatest overall achievement and is the centerpiece of our Milestones program: a series of 5 productions that began with Richard II in February 2015 and will continue through 2016.
Other productions in the series have included The Tempest in February 2014 (probably the last play that Shakespeare wrote by himself) and Hamlet in July 2014 (Shakespeare's best-known play and character in the modern world).
