Arts

Shakespeare on the Common returns this summer, performing ‘The Winter’s Tale’

The free play runs for three weeks this summer.

An aerial shot of a Shakespeare on the Common performance.

For the 28th season, the Commonwealth Shakespeare Company (CSC) will perform a free, outdoor Shakespeare play on the Common this summer. The company will perform “The Winter’s Tale” 18 times between July 16 and August 4.

Directed by Bryn Boice, the show takes place at the Parkman Bandstand on Boston Common, a spot that’s wheelchair-accessible and easily reachable by public transit. “The Winter’s Tale” is one of Shakespeare’s “problem plays” because it holds both tragedy and comedy. The show follows King Leontes of Sicilia as he falsely accuses his wife of infidelity with his best friend, causing a wake of jealousy-inflamed destruction.

Shakespeare on the Common first began in 1996 with a free outdoor performance by the CSC of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” in Copley Square. Following the success of that show, the CSC presented “Romeo & Juliet” on the Common the following summer, sparking what’s now an annual Boston summer tradition. Shakespeare on the Common now attracts more than 50,000 guests annually.

All Shakespeare on the Common performances are free and open to the public, with no advance registration required. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own blankets and chairs, but chairs can also be rented at the site. Attendees are welcome to bring snacks and non-alcoholic drinks to the show.

For more information, visit commshakes.org/production/winterstale.