PIEDMONT — A new tradition may be starting in town — free Shakespeare in the Park — with a dollop of culture under the trees at Dracena Park quarry.
Piedmont Center for the Arts founder Nancy Lehrkind got inspired with the idea early this year after meeting Dalia Vidor, executive director for Vallejo Shakespeare Company. Lehrkind formed a new nonprofit, the Piedmont Recreation and Culture Club, to bring the professional theater troupe to town.
“This live, professional performance will be true to the Elizabethan staging of the day, a ‘bare bones’ production concentrating on the actors’ performances and storytelling with minimal set,” Lehrkind said.
Attendees are encouraged to bring low lawn chairs or blankets and a picnic to enjoy the Shakespearean drama that will last about two hours.
“There are no sets to speak of but tents stage left and right and a center tent with hanging scrims,” Lehrkind said.
Established in 2010, Vallejo Shakespeare in the Park produces one live Shakespearean production each summer in communities around the Bay Area. The troupe aims to bring free, live theater to people of all ages and backgrounds. They perform in Vallejo, Crockett, Martinez, Oakland and now Piedmont.
“We strive to provide professional performance opportunities to actors of color, various gender identities and women through nontraditional casting,” according to the company’s production team.
The troupe is sponsored by the Greater Vallejo Recreation District and also encourages donations. They sometimes sell refreshments and keepsakes at their performances as well. More information can be found at vallejoshakespeare.org.
“Henry V” is set in England in the early 15th century. The situation in England is tense. King Henry IV has died, and footloose son Henry V, who favors languishing at the Boar’s Head Tavern, has assumed the throne. Henry lays claim to certain parts of France based on his distant roots in the French royal family. When the dauphin (heir apparent) of France sends Henry an insulting message, Henry decides to invade France and gathers his troops for war. He matures to fit his calling and speaks to his troops to inspire them.
There is palace intrigue and conspiracy afoot. The climax of the war comes at the Battle of Agincourt, in which the scrappy English are outnumbered five to one by the French but win the battle with their longbows. Peace negotiations are ultimately worked out; Henry marries Catherine, the daughter of the French king; and the two kingdoms become united. Thirteen actors perform their roles under the direction of Clinton Vidal. The city of Piedmont gave its endorsement for the event, and Lehrkind is paying the $250 venue insurance for the production.
“(Parks and project manager) Nancy Kent was wonderful to work with us,” Lehrkind said. “We had to find a park that was appropriate, because Piedmont’s parks are so busy in the summer with youth programs and the community center busy with weddings and bar mitzvahs.
“Dracena Park quarry was the perfect place. The walls are stone. It’s very quiet.”
Said new city administrator Sara Lillevand, “We are always looking for ways to expand our offerings within our significant facility constraints. Shakespeare in the Park is an example of a good idea brought forth by Piedmont resident Nancy Lehrkind. City staff was willing to work creatively and collaboratively to bring it to fruition.”
If you go
What: Shakespeare in the Park featuring the Vallejo Shakespeare Company performing “Henry V”
When: 3 p.m. Aug. 11
Where: Dracena Park quarry, Artuna at 130 Dracena Avenue in Piedmont
Cost: Free but donations are welcome
Info: vallejoshakespeare.org