Shakespeare under the stars to shine bright with Council sponsorship
Date published: 4 July 2023
TheatreiNQ is set for another smash hit with its season of Shakespeare Under the Stars in September, thanks to a major funding injection by Townsville City Council.
Councillors voted at the June Ordinary Council meeting to provide a one-year sponsorship with TheatreiNQ valued at $50,000.
The sponsorship will support the production of the hugely popular Shakespeare Under the Stars 2023 at Queens Gardens, Townsville’s heritage-listed botanic garden.
This year’s offering is William Shakespeare’s black comedy Measure for Measure, continuing a 28-year record of popular offerings by the Townsville-based theatre company.
TheatreiNQ is known for its high-quality productions, most recently a sell-out season of Bloody Mary which wowed audiences.
Community and Cultural Development Committee chairperson Ann-Maree Greaney said TheatreiNQ has staged an incredible range of plays, and Shakespeare’s Measure for Measure will be no different.
“Shakespeare’s plays continue to be popular more than 400 years after his death and I’m sure that, when he wrote Measure for Measure, he would never have imagined it being performed on the other side of the world,” Cr Greaney said.
“With 27 seasons under its belt, Townsville’s Shakespeare Under the Stars has a record of being the longest running of its kind in regional Australia, inspiring similar events around the country.
“The production is more than a play because it provides training opportunities for people in Townsville who are seeking careers in the arts industry.
“The term ‘world-class’ is used often, but in the case of Shakespeare Under the Stars it’s not an exaggeration and more than 2,800 people who attended last year would agree.”
Measure for Measure is a black comedy that focuses on the corrupting nature of absolute power and the value of mercy. It includes one of Shakespeare’s most memorable lines, ‘Tis one thing to be tempted, another thing to fall.’
Directed by Terri Brabon, Shakespeare Under the Stars will bring together a stellar cast of North Queensland's best including Brendan O'Connor as Angelo, Emma Lamberton as Isabella, and recent NIDA Graduate and Bridge Alumni Harlee Timms as the Duke. The performance comes with a time-warp element, with the setting in the early 1920s.
With performance in Queens Gardens, lighting is always an essential ingredient and Jamie Schmidt will weave his technical magic to transport audiences back 100 years to the jazz age.
“Anyone who has been to Shakespeare Under the Stars has been impressed by way the production incorporates the gardens to enhance the performance,” Cr Greaney said.
“The relaxed vibe and beautiful setting make it a memorable event.”
With Castle Hill forming a dramatic backdrop as well as a maze, open lawns, tropical trees, plants and the Percival Andrews Bird Aviary, Queens Gardens is a lush green oasis set that offers a quiet cool retreat from the nearby city centre.
The 2023 season of Shakespeare Under the Stars will be held at Queens Gardens North Ward from 12-24 September.
Bookings can be made through the TheatreiNQ website from 1 July.
