How to watch a free outdoor Shakespeare play at Griffith Park this summer

Published Jul 14, 2024 5:00 AM

Two actors Jacqueline Misaye (left) as Rosalind and Bukola Ogunmola and Celia, lay head to head on grass with flowers spread around the ground. Misaye wears a black suit and tie with a white button down shirt and Ogunmola wears a pastel floral summer dress. They both have a dreamy look in their eyes as they look to the sky

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The Independent Shakespeare Co. has returned to the old LA Zoo in Griffith Park for another summer season of free outdoor performances, this year with an immersive production of As You Like It.

A different kind of staging

The play is performed for the first time in the round and makes use of the abandoned zoo facilities at the location. The construction of a permanent performing arts space at the Old Zoo has left the Independent Shakespeare Co. without access to its usual temporary stage. And that spurred some innovations, said David Melville, co- founder of Independent Shakespeare Company and director of the production.

"We thought this time it would be interesting to explore the corners of the old zoo that we haven't used before. So there's the stage, but then there's also some pre-show things in the animal cages, and there's little stages around the performing area, and the audience will meet certain characters as they come to take their seats, it's vastly different from what we'd normally do," he said.

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The innovative setting helps break the play's fourth wall — a facet that Shakespeare's works lend themselves to, said actress Jacqueline Misaye, who plays Rosalind.

"It's so fabulous to be able to perform outdoors, to be under the trees. It feels very magical. So when we're in the round... I'm going to be looking into the audience and looking for advice, asking an audience member, what do you think about this?" said Misaye.

The staging is also inspired the music of the jazz musician Al Bowlly and the dapper aesthetic of the 1930's.

When you can see it

Performances of As You Like It of are held Wednesday through Sunday until September 1st, 2024. The official show starts at 7:00PM but there's an immersive prologue starting at 6:00PM.

How to get free tickets

Reserve your spot for the date you wish to attend here.

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You have to save your own spot to see the show. The areas closest to the stage are for picnic blankets but you can bring your own folding chair and sit just a little further back.

Plan your visit

The performances of As You Like It are held at the old Los Angeles Zoo in Griffith Park which you can access from Griffith Park Drive. There are picnic tables and free parking on site.

It's common for audience members to set up their own picnics to enjoy before or during the show.