"Shakespeare in the Park" in Roundup

Cymbeline, one of Shakespeare’s lesser known plays, is coming to Roundup. Cymbeline, like The Winter's Tale and The Tempest, is one of Shakespeare ’s genre-defying later plays referred to as romances or tragicomedies. The happy ending of the production distinguishes it from Shakespeare’s earlier histories and tragedies. Though the play emphasizes the danger and power of evil and death, these forces are never victorious, yet loom ever-present in the story.

Set in pre-Christian Britain, there is no obvious source for Cymbeline. The titular king and his two kidnapped sons are quasi-historical figures who ruled Britain around the time of Christ. Indeed, the Roman army and the God Jupiter make appearances in the play. The plot in which a seduction is attempted upon a virtuous wife is probably developed from the Decameron, a collection of stories by Renaissance author Boccaccio. And scenes in the Welsh wilderness, especially Imogen's death-like slumber, seems like a fairy tale from "Snow White."

The twisted plot of Cymbeline bears resemblance to a number of Shakespeare’s great tragedies: Lear and Cordelia in King Lear, while Iachimo plays a role similar to Iago in Othello, and the sleeping potion taken by Imogen reminds us of a the same device in Romeo and Juliet. Yet in Cymbeline, although disaster threatens, it never strikes. Only the wicked characters die, and the end of the play treats us to joyous reconciliation.

Shakespeare in the Parks is free and open to the public. Come to the Roundup City Park softball field -- 9th Avenue & 4th Street East -- Monday, July 12th at 6:30 PM to watch this mixed up tale full of intrigue and disguises. Bring your lawn chairs and picnic baskets and enjoy live summer theatre. If the weather is inclement, the play will be performed at the Community Center, 700 3rd Street West.

Roundup Arts & Culture (A & C), a standing committee of the Musselshell Valley Community Foundation, brings you Shakespeare in the Park each summer and counts on generous support from local patrons.

A & C is looking for additional people for help bring Shakespeare in the Parks and other cultural events to Roundup each year. If you would like to help bring these events to Roundup, please contact Bill Milton at 323-1771.