Shakespeare in the Garden!

Bring your picnic and enjoy a little bit of theatre in a native garden setting! The whole family is welcome to join for this cultural experience. From poetic sonnets to his epic 3 part histories, the famous Bard has many references of plants, trees, and flowers in his collection of works.

Join us at the Theodore Payne Foundation's demonstration gardens on a Saturday afternoon for a picnic as we explore William Shakespeare's usage of plants as metaphors within language. Of which many species referenced have California native counterparts!

In a simple read-aloud together, we'll dissect some examples in order to make classical text accessible to a contemporary audience. Culminating with a unique, individual monologue performace by a classically trained actor in this outdoor setting!

The first hour of this program includes an opportunity to picnic beforehand. Guests are encouraged to bring their own food spread, snacks, and beverages (21+ permitted as well). Picnic tables in a shaded pergola are available for your convienience.

Parental Discretion:

The solo performance at the conclusion of the program is from Romeo and Juliet. Parents please be advised this piece contains playful and comedic, as well as serious and dramatic elements perhaps heavy for younger audiences.

Albert Garnica is the Education Manager at the Theodore Payne Foundation for Wild Flowers and Native Plants. Prior to that, he spent 8 years with the Greater Los Angeles Zoo Association connecting people to nature and wildlife. He has over 20 years experience creating programming for informal educational settings. His studies include degrees from the Academy of Dramatic Arts, California Institute of the Arts, and a B.A. in Theatre Arts from California State University, Fullerton. He has trained and worked with the Shakespeare Center of Los Angeles for many years, including their Will Power to Youth program.

Host or Publisher Theodore Payne Foundation