Shakespeare is Alive at Staunton’s Blackfriars Playhouse

“When I visited the Blackfriars Playhouse, I was instantly captivated by its atmosphere and by the amazing work that goes on there. It is a center of excellence and should be protected and cherished.” – Dame Judi Dench, on visiting the American Shakespeare Center

Are you an individual who enjoys Elizabethan history and theatrical productions? Then you will be amazed by the performances at Staunton, Virginia’s American Shakespeare Center, the only re-creation of Shakespeare’s original Blackfriars Playhouse. This re-creation is located in Staunton, VA, about 25 minute away from Afton Mountain B&B. (Staunton is also full of unique restaurants and downtown shopping for your perusal.)

If you’re unfamiliar with Shakespearean style theatre, then you’re most certainly in for a uniquely wonderful experience. The first thing you may notice is that the lights remain on during the duration of the performance, and there are no special effects or elaborate set designs. The simplicity of the productions at the Blackfriar allows for the emphasis to be not only on the acting and the material, but also on the interactions between actors and audience members. (There are even stools onstage where audience members may choose to sit if they wish to be closer to the action.) The multi-talented actors usually perform acoustic music before, after, and during certain shows, highlighting themes of the plays or feelings of the characters. Overall, each showing is unique and incredibly memorable.

This particular season at the Blackfriars Playhouse features performances of Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night, Shakespeare’s Love’s Labour’s Lost, and John Webster’s The Duchess of Malfi. These plays go through June 16, 2013, which is when their next series begins. Be sure to watch their website for upcoming performances!

(Image License: This image is in the public domain; PD-ART.)