“Before GRSF came to town I admit I liked theater well enough, but viewed Shakespeare productions as something theater majors went to see. I just didn’t think I would *get* it – the language seemed tricky to follow, and it sounded, well, a little dry. I was a big fan of the idea of the festival – loved the idea – but I wasn’t really sure Shakespeare was for me.
Sound familiar?
Yeah, well let me tell you something… the first time I bucked up and went to a play I felt like an idiot, not because I didn’t understand it, but because I was mad at myself for the plays I missed. It was beautiful and mesmerizing, and I totally got the story. I laughed. I cried. I’m not joking. Since then I’ve made my friends go, and my kids, and my mom, and after every play I’d shake their arm and say, ‘Can you believe how freaking good that was?’ “
What does it mean when a community comes together? At the Great River Shakespeare Festival the lights go down, the actors speak, and together we begin a conversation about love, war, jealousy, truth, honor, grace. Together.
Because of your donation, together means all of us. Commercial theaters charge $100 or more per ticket, and that’s about what GRSF would have to charge to pay for the theater you see with only ticket revenue. $100 tickets would mean the woman quoted above, who works in a local hotel, would never think of sending her 8 year old to a play. $100 tickets would mean this conversation is only for the elite.
We don’t know where the next generation of leaders will come from; we don’t know who among us will conceive the next great idea, but we do know that we are stronger together. We know that our community depends on our ability to talk to each other about what is most important.
Love, war, jealousy, honor, grace. All of us. Together.
Please make a donation to the Great River Shakespeare Festival. From $10 Tuesdays, to student tickets, free previews and more, GRSF is doing even more this year to ensure everyone in the community has access. Your donation makes it possible.