CMP Review 2025-06-19

June 19, 2025

William Carpenter wrote that Shakespeare “possessed, in an unrivalled degree, the power of idealising every type of humanity which he brought before our mental vision; and in so doing displayed to us the working of every variety of character, with a fundamental truth which makes his delineations represent, not the men or women of any particular time or place, but those of all time and every place;—his marvellous insight enabling us to see them in his pages more truly than if they were actually performing their several parts in the world’s drama before our own eyes.”

The unique and timeless appeal of these works is surely the motivating force behind the many Shakespeare in the Park festivals all over the world. When a play is performed outdoors, there is a magical connection between the actors and the audience. And when there is no stage, the drama blends with the world’s drama even more seamlessly.

“Shakespeare in the Arb” in Ann Arbor is unusual because it is a “moving performance.” Taking place in the Nichols Arboretum, the audience walks to different locations between each act to watch the drama unfold in ever-changing natural settings. I enjoyed this immersive experience over the weekend and saw The Merry Wives of Windsor for the first time.

It was thrilling to hear “the world’s mine oyster” in its original context, a saying that I’ve heard many times over the years. But on a deeper level it was immensely satisfying to see a story that speaks of “all time and every place.” This year’s production runs through June 29.

@artmiddlekauff