Shakespeare In The Parks To Perform “Cymbeline” At Montana Western

Montana Shakespeare in the Parks will be holding a free performance of Shakespeare’s tragicomedy “Cymbeline” on Monday, July 26, at 6:00 p.m. on the University of Montana Western Legacy Plaza.

Touring for its 49th year, the Montana Shakespeare in the Parks company will travel nearly 7,000 miles putting on productions throughout Montana and neighboring states. All performances are offered free to audiences in local parks and public spaces. Montana Shakespeare in the Parks relies on grants, corporate sponsorships, and thousands of individual donors to support the free performances.

In Shakespeare’s “Cymbeline,” Britain is divided and on the brink of disaster! When the only living heir to the throne, Innogen, marries a lowborn gentleman, Posthumus, in secret against her stepmother’s wishes, the queen exiles Posthumus, where he is tricked into believing his new wife was unfaithful. In an act of misguided jealous rage, Posthumus sends orders to have Innogen murdered. Warned of the danger, Innogen disguises herself and escapes and begins a perilous journey full of fighting, betrayal, long-lost heirs, and reconciliation.

This production, which incorporates modern stewardship themes, is also part of an international project called “Cymbeline in the Anthropocene.” Each production will seek to uncover past and present ecological values in the play’s vibrant range of stories, emotions, and terrains, and to relate them creatively to local settings. Montana Shakespeare in the Parks is one of seven companies across the world participating. More details on the project can be found at www.cymbeline-anthropocene.com.

Montana Western’s School of Outreach has brought Montana Shakespeare in the Parks to the Dillon community since 1986. For more information, please contact Bethanie Wharton by calling 406-683-7308 or email bethanie.wharton@umwestern.edu.