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By Alexandra Simon<\/p>\n
Brooklyn Daily<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Words, words, words.<\/p>\n
That is what they read, my lord — the words of William Shakespeare. A group of Park Slope actors will recite all of the Bard’s comedies during “Shakespeare-a-Thon,” a three-day extravaganza of Elizabethan wit and wordplay at the Gallery Players theater on July 1–3. <\/p>\n
The event is the latest in a series of readings organized to commemorate the 400th anniversary of the playwright’s death, but organizers say they plan to continue the marathon readings next year. <\/p>\n
“It’s a special year, but we’ll be doing it on an ongoing basis,” said Dominic Cuskern, an actor and producer of “Shakespeare-a-Thon.”<\/p>\n
The Park Slope actor says that speaking Shakespeare’s lines — and hearing them spoken — is the best way to grow into loving his work.<\/p>\n
“Shakespeare never expected his plays to be read [silently] by anyone,” said Cuskern. “Especially by people who want to learn and understand his language. The best way to do it is to speak it out loud, in front of people.” <\/p>\n
Those who attend the three-day event will be rewarded for their attention, he said. <\/p>\n
“You get fabulous characters, and get to hear the most beautiful language,” said Cuskern.<\/p>\n
On Friday evening, the group will read the plays “Two Gentlemen of Verona” and “The Comedy of Errors.” Saturday will feature “Love’s Labour’s Lost,” “The Merry Wives of Windsor,” “The Taming of the Shrew,” and “Much Ado About Nothing.” On Sunday, “The Merchant of Venice,” “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” “As You Like It,” and “Twelfth Night” will conclude the series. <\/p>\n
Eight actors will take on the roles for each play, with new readers stepping in after one or two plays. Cuskern hopes that a diverse crowd of Shakespeare fans will stop by for the readings. <\/p>\n
“Shakespeare has a wide appeal, we’d like anyone to come,” said Cuskern. “We want everyone to come.” <\/p>\n
The group has already finished the Bard’s history plays, and plans to read through his 10 tragedies on Aug. 5–7, and to tackle the five “romances” on Oct 30–Nov. 1. <\/p>\n
“Shakespeare-a-Thon” at Gallery Players [199 14th St. between Fourth and Fifth avenues in Park Slope, (914) 414–5236, www.galleryplayers.com]. July 1–3. At various times. Free.<\/p>\n
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