by Minneapolis Cider Company, known for its cider, food and pickle-ball, is now adding theater to its activity list.
Minneapolis is hosting a particular event that is reshaping the way audiences engage with Shakespearean plays. Bar’d Shakes, co-created by William Edson and Naiomi Cranston Haag, features serious actors and operates under three simple rules: Serious actors, no director and one rehearsal.
“It’s all about trying to get back to the way Shakespeare would have been done back in his time. They had very little rehearsal, the audience would have been rowdy and they would have been drunk,” Edson, who attended the UMN/Guthrie BFA Actor Training Program, said. He has led Bar’d Shakes since 2018.
The initiative encourages audience participation and embraces the spontaneity of live performance.
“It just allows the audience to be a little more free; we let them get up and move, leave at any time, have your phone out… it’s just a more accessible space to consume Shakespeare,” said Haag, who has an acting degree from Viterbo University and has been the captain since 2019.
“It’s not in a dark theater where the audience is totally separate from the action,” actor Chandler Oja said.
Bar’d Shakes is more than just a theatrical performance; it serves as a social event where attendees can enjoy drinks, converse, and experience the show in a relaxed atmosphere.
“This is how we build community and connect with our neighbors,” said an audience member.
The connection between the performers and the audience is vital to the experience.
“The audience wants you to do well. You just kind of roll with the punches. If you make a mistake, you acknowledge it and keep going,” said Gillian Constable, another actor and musician.
With their training, the actors effectively bring Shakespeare’s stories to life.
“I understand why people think Shakespeare can be hard to understand, but especially in this setting, it makes it so much more accessible,” said Melissa Trentacoste, who was there supporting a friend.
While Shakespeare’s works can often be challenging, Bar’d Shakes demonstrates that live performance has the power to connect with audiences and keep the Bard’s legacy alive.
“There’s a real hunger for Shakespeare done quickly and done well. You can understand it. Just give us a chance,” said actor and musician Eva Gemlo.
