Shakespeare On Stratford: Celebrate 455th Anniversary Of Bard’s Birth

DITMAS PARK – Join Brave New World Repertory Theatre this Sunday, April 28 for Shakespeare on Stratford, a free spring celebration commemorating the 455th anniversary of William Shakespeare’s birth. The Bard was born April 26, 1564.

In a nod to Shakespeare’s birthplace—Stratford-upon-Avon—the festival will take place on Stratford Road between Cortelyou Road and Slocum Place. The event kicks off at 2pm when attendees are invited to stroll along Stratford—from porch to porch—and see costumed actors perform the Bard’s sonnets.

At 3pm, visitors are invited to join a madrigal singalong in the middle of the street where performers will lead the audience in singing one of the most famous madrigals, Now is the Month of Maying.

The festival culminates at 3:40pm with “courtly line dancers” on Stratford Road followed by Afro-Haitian dancing to celebrate Spring and re-birth.

“We’re here both to celebrate spring and bridge the cultural, economic divide of the communities on either side of Flatbush Avenue,” Brave New World Repertory Theatre’s Producing Artistic Director & Co-founder, Claire Beckman, said in a release announcing the event. “Everyone should have access to theatre, music and dance so we hope our neighbors in Ditmas Park and East Flatbush will come together for this free secular celebration of spring.”

Brave New World Repertory Theatre’s SHAKESPEARE ON STRATFORD Spring FestivalSunday, April 28, 2pm to 4pmOutdoors on Stratford Road (between Cortelyou Road & Slocum Place)
Rain Date: Sunday, May 5