Original Practice Shakespeare

Because this is my first full summer living downtown (last year I was in Thailand) I am making an effort to find fun, free/cheap things to do to keep myself busy. With this in mind,  I decided to check out an acting company called Original Practice Shakespeare. It was the most unusual and surprising experience I've had seeing a Shakespeare play. The actors learn 2-3 parts in the play, but don't know which one they will perform until the morning of the show. They carry small scrolls with only their lines and prompts in an attempt to replicate the experience of actors in Shakespeare's time, when lax copyright laws made it dangerous to give out full scripts. The actors were somewhat memorized, but would sometimes call out for  line from the "referee" sitting to the side. Now this could have been excruciatingly awkward and slow, but they pulled it off! These small interruptions were brisk, and enhanced the humor. The show I saw ("As You Like It" in Washington Park) was zany and engaging. It was easy to tell the actors were having a blast. The plays are held in various public parks around Portland, and sets and costumes are simple. Best of all...it's free! This year they will perform "As You Like It", "A Midsummer Night's Dream", "Much Ado About Nothing", "Romeo and Juliet" and "Twelfth Night". Click here for a schedule. Bring a blanket or chair to sit on, perhaps a picnic, and enjoy the show!