We haven’t heard from Hannah for a long time.  Here is a letter she wrote about a fun and free Shakespeare night out this past Saturday…

William Shakespeare has delighted, amused, moved and taught as well as entertained audiences for the last four hundred years.  His work has been translated and shown in many languages and mediums without becoming obsolete.  People from any life or culture can enjoy and take something from his works.

Yes, even obscure, out-of-the-way towns like Bismarck, ND.

On July 17th, 18th, 19th and 20th, Capitol Shakespeare (in collaboration with BSC) put on William Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night on the lawn of the North Dakota state capitol.  I was privileged to go see it on the 19th with my little sister and a few of her friends.

We arrived early to get good seats and enjoy the medieval festival that proceeded the show.  For an hour we were delighted by the music, knights and bantering of the medieval festival while trying to play a game of Apples to Apples that my little sister insisted we bring along. There were jesters and ballerinas, food and dancing.

Then the show began.  I was shocked to recognize my old speech teacher playing Sir Toby.  I know he was involved with the productions at BSC but I had not realized that he was such an amazing actor.  Everyone played their parts very well, but my favorite was the Fool.  He played the part so extraordinarily well that he stopped the scene every time he popped up. 

That was why I was exceedingly sad when the play was canceled at intermission due to the severe thunderstorm that had rolled in while we were laughing.  Yes, we were rained out.  It was very sad.

Even though I was only able to see half of it, it was still worth going to see.  I am very familiar with this story so I was not left questioning what would happen next, but it still would have been great fun to see the entire thing.  

I think the best part of the evening was that except for gas money and the picnic dinner we brought, I did not spend a dime.

I gather that this was the first time Bismarck State College/Capitol Shakespeare put on a production like this, but they’re hoping it’s the first of many.  Read more about it here and something similar here.