Shakespeare-by-the-Book Festival: Twelfth Night

Fort Bend County Libraries (FBCL) is excited to announce the return of the Shakespeare-by-the-Book Festival this fall! Part of FBCL’s “On Stage at the George” series, the live theatrical performances are presented FREE to the public.

Live theatrical performances of William Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night – an uproariously funny romantic comedy with a 1980s twist – will be presented at George Memorial Library in Richmond on Saturdays and Sundays, October 5 and 6 and October 12 and 13, beginning at 1:30 pm, in the library’s Jodie E. Stavinoha Amphitheater.

The festival will feature a very “1980s retro neon” version of Twelfth Night, directed by Joseph “Chepe” Lockett with The Live Oak Playhouse.

A retro romp of mistaken identities and happy endings, Twelfth Night is packed with mix-ups, disguises, and romantic shenanigans. The play begins when a ferocious storm leaves twins, Viola and Sebastian, shipwrecked and separated for most of the play. Thinking Sebastian drowned in the storm, Viola must make her way on her own, disguises herself as a young man named Cesario, and enters the service of Duke Orsino. The duke is in love with Countess Olivia and instructs Cesario to plead his suit to the reluctant Olivia. Upon meeting Viola/Cesario, Olivia falls in love with her, thinking she is a man. Meanwhile, Viola has fallen in love with Orsino, creating a love triangle and a riotous disorder full of misunderstandings and mistaken identities.

Seating in the outdoor theater is concrete, so theatergoers are encouraged to bring stadium seats or cushions. Beach and lawn chairs will be allowed ONLY in two designated rows of the amphitheater, and space is available strictly on a first-come, first-served basis. Glass bottles and alcoholic beverages are not permitted.

Fort Bend County Libraries’ George Memorial Library is located at 1001 Golfview in Richmond.