William Shakespeare turned a wonderful 444 years young this past Wednesday, April 23, which got me thinking about the Shakespearean productions coming to the Bay Area this spring/summer. The list includes two Pericles, a Twelfth Night, and Tim Supple’s acclaimed South Asian A Midsummer Night’s Dream, playing the Curran Theatre May 6-June 1.

A Midsummer Night’s Dream:
This production not only aims to transport its audience visually, but also (as Shakespeare did) through its use of language. While the play is still performed in English, it also incorporates Malayalam, Tamil, Sinhalese, Hindi, Bengali, Marathi, and even, a bit of Sanskrit. Featuring a cast of 23 actors, dancers, martial arts experts, musicians, and street acrobats from India and Sri Lanka, the production was hailed by the Daily Telegraph as: “The most magical, fantastical Dream that will be remembered for decades.”

A sensation in India when it premiered, it was similarly in-demand when it played Stratford-upon-Avon as part of the Royal Shakespeare Company’s Complete Works Festival (2006-2007). With SHN’s Best of Broadway series, it makes its North American debut. Tickets are still available, $35-$80; running time is 2 hours 37 minutes (with 20-minute intermission).

California Shakespeare Theater:
As for more Shakespeare in the Bay, the California Shakespeare Theater will begin its 2008 season on May 28 with its presentation of Pericles, and draw a close in September with the lovable Twelfth Night. It’s a very green experience, too, with plays performed in an acoustic grove. To get there, take the BART to Orinda and the Cal Shakes shuttle to the play.

The San Francisco Shakespeare Festival:
And as for the summer, Free Shakespeare in the Park will also be taking on Pericles in celebration of the play’s 400th anniversary. Its first show is scheduled for the traditional Labor Day Weekend, with a special afternoon performance that Monday.

^{* Poster artwork © SHN: Broadway Reframed.}