University of Houston's School of Theatre & Dance Celebrates Shakespeare's Birthday With 'Shakespeare on the Green,' 4/16-22

The University of Houston's School of Theatre & Dance is celebrating the Bard's birthday - UH's Shakespeare on the Green will offer free performances of the legendary dramatist's work.

Shakespeare on the Green will present "A Midsummer Night's Dream" April 16 and 17 (in UH's Studio 208) and April 20 – 22 (at downtown Houston's Discovery Green – 1500 McKinney St.).

Directed by Jack Young and starring UH theater students, "A Midsummer Night's Dream" takes audiences deep into a magical forest for a romantic farce.

"It's a very fast and family-friendly comedy," Young said. "This play is a perfect introduction to Shakespeare for children. It's no wonder that this is one of the most produced plays in the world because it's fun and appeals to everyone."

Audiences can choose between watching the play up close and personal inside UH's Studio 208 or at Houston's downtown park Discovery Green. Both provide audiences with a unique experience, Young said.

"Shakespeare's plays work in any environment," Young said. "They were originally written for open-air theaters, so Discovery Green is a fun place to spread out a blanket and enjoy the work under the stars. But, the outdoors don't appeal to everyone, so audiences can get an intimate and air-conditioned look at this play in Studio 208."

UH's Shakespeare on the Green debuted in 2009. The event showcases the student talents of the University of Houston's School of Theatre & Dance and commemorates the playwright's birthday (estimated to be around April 23).

WHAT: The University of Houston's Shakespeare on the Gree presents "A Midsummer Night's Dream"
WHEN: 7 p.m., April 16, 17 (Studio 208) / 7 p.m., 20 – 22 (Discovery Green)
WHERE: Studio 208 (inside UH's Cynthia Woods Mitchell Center for the Arts – Entrance 16 off Cullen Boulevard) / Discovery Green (1500 McKinney St.)