The Shakespeare Project of Chicago

Yesterday would have been William Shakespeare’s 449^th birthday (and also the anniversary of his death), which proved to be the inspiration to write this review.
Maybe you’ve not heard of The Shakespeare Project of Chicago, and that’s a shame, but I’m happy to tell you all about it. This is NOT the place down on Navy Pier (although they do wonderful work as well).
The Shakespeare Project of Chicago is a non-​profit organization that has been in existence since 1996, and its goals are pretty simple: bringing Shakespeare’s beautiful words to life, for the community – to create, as their tagline says, The World in Words.
For free.
That’s right, for free. Theatrical readings are performed throughout the year at several venues in the city and nearby suburbs (mostly libraries, which is highly fitting). These smaller venues lend a much more intimate feel. The talent pool is deep – these are professional actors with impressive credits that run the gamut from Broadway, film and television, to Shakespeare festivals, both regional and international. Over the past 18 seasons, Shakespeare’s canon of classic plays has been performed; from all of the popular comedies, tragedies, and histories, to the less well-​known ones that you may not be familiar with. They’ve tackled them all, with deft precision.
The actors perform the plays without benefit of fancy costumes or elaborate sets, instead choosing to focus on the text. Believe me when I say that you won’t miss the costumes; in fact, you won’t even notice they’re not there.
Prior to the show, a dramaturge will introduce the play and offer some background, and after the show, questions and comments from the audience are encouraged.
Perhaps one of my favorite things about The Shakespeare Project is their Education Outreach Program. This program is intended to bring Shakespeare into the middle or high school classroom at a completely accessible level, via their «50 Minute» versions of classic plays like Romeo and Juliet, Macbeth, and Hamlet. The Education Outreach Program has been extremely well received and a godsend to English and drama teachers through the city and suburbs looking to get their students excited about, and interested in, Shakespeare.
I’m lucky enough to know someone closely affiliated with this organization so I’ve seen countless performances over the years. I’m consistently impressed with the level of artistry that comes through in each and every production.
Again, performances are free, but a small donation is always greatly appreciated. There’s usually a jar next to the programs and information in which to bestow any amount you wish to contribute. There’s no pressure whatsoever, but as with any not-​for-​profit organization, they still have costs that are incurred to put on these wonderful shows.
Get thee to a performance! Be not afraid of greatness.