“One touch of nature makes all the world kin."
John Muir, echoing William Shakespeare’s "Troilus and Cressida"
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Wednesday, April 18
6pm – Dutra Wallace Amphitheater
Friday, April 20
2pm – Lower River Amphitheater
5:30 pm – Half Dome Village Amphitheater
Saturday, April 21
2pm – Lower River Amphitheater
5:30 pm – Half Dome Village Amphitheater
Sunday, April 22: Earth Day
2pm – Lower River Amphitheater
Shakespeare in Yosemite 2017
Survey respondent
UC Merced Yosemite Leadership Program student
Survey respondent
"That was AWESOME!"
Max, age 10
Performance is free and open to the public.
Filled with Shakespearean scenes about forests, animals and the environment and featuring live music and the writings of John Muir, “Shakespeare in Yosemite” is an original hour-long play written especially for Earth Day (April 22) and William Shakespeare’s birthday (April 23).
The show will be performed on these days at 2 p.m. in the Lower River Amphitheater and at 5:30 p.m. in the Half Dome Village Amphitheater.
Performances are free, interactive and fun for all ages.
In 2016, the National Park Service celebrated its 100th anniversary while the world celebrated the 400th anniversary of Shakespeare’s death. Inspired by these celebrations, “Shakespeare in the Park” brings to life the imaginative worlds of two of the best nature writers in the English language — Shakespeare and John Muir.
Experiencing Shakespeare in Yosemite is a great American tradition (maybe America’s second best idea?), so join us for Shakespeare in the Park — Yosemite National Park!
“Shakespeare in Yosemite” was written by Professor Katherine Steele Brokaw from UC Merced and Paul Prescott from the University of Warwick, and stars Ranger Shelton Johnson, Lee Stetson as John Muir, and 11 more actors and musicians who will bring Shakespearean characters and songs to life in the heart of Yosemite Valley.
The production is sponsored by UC Merced, the University of Warwick and Misfit Press, in partnership with the National Parks Service and the Yosemite Conservancy.
Lee Stetson as John Muir, John Muir Live
Ranger Shelton Johnson as himself, National Parks Service
Luke Bolle
University of the Pacific student
Katherine Brokaw
UC Merced faculty member, Merced Shakespeare fest
TaNayiah Bryels
UC Merced student, Merced Shakespearefest, Playhouse Merced
Emily Fishburn
UC Merced student
Carin J. Heidelbach
Merced College faculty, Merced Shakespearefest, Center Stage Conservatory
Taryn-Hakala
UC Merced lecturer
Paul Prescott
University of Warwick faculty member
Rachel Rodrigues
Merced College student, Merced Shakespearefest, Playhouse Merced
Raquel Ruelas
Murphys Creek Theatre, Mountain Youth and Community Theatre
Connie Stetson
Mariposa Theatre Alliance
Soheil Fatehi
UC Merced graduate student
Written, directed and produced by Katherine Brokaw and Paul Prescott
Both 2 p.m. shows take place in the Lower River Amphitheater. Download the map.
On April 22nd, the rainy day location is the Yosemite Village Theatre, and on April 23rd, it is the Yosemite Village Auditorium. Both venues are located directly behind the Valley Visitor’s Center in Yosemite Village.
From Yosemite Village, you can walk 20 minutes across Majestic Meadow (the meadow with the best view of Half Dome). Turn left after crossing the road and walk toward the flags and lute music!
You can also get off the Yosemite Valley shuttle at stop 12 (Housekeeping Camp) and walk along the river near Housekeeping Camp until you get to a bridge. After crossing the bridge, turn left and follow a short trail to the Lower River Amphitheater, a 5-7 minute walk.
Both 5:30 shows take place in the Half Dome Village (formerly Curry Village) Amphitheater.
Get off at shuttle stop 13B and follow the signs to the amphitheater in the middle of the village behind the guest lounge, a very short walk.
In case of rain, the shows will take place in either the Yosemite Theatre or the Yosemite Auditorium, both of which are located directly behind the Valley Visitor Center in Yosemite Village (shuttle stops 4, 5, 9, and 10).
Information to come.
Please visit the Travel Yosemite website for accommodation information.
