The winds of live theatre are about to once again sweep through San Francisco's Sue Bierman Park as the San Francisco Shakespeare Festival partners with the city's Recreation & Park Department to bring a free production of "The Tempest" directed by Rotimi Agbabiaka to life. Slated for performance on September 14, 15, 21, and 22 at 2 p.m., the event marks a fresh artistic endeavor under Mayor London Breed's initiative to reinvigorate the Embarcadero area with cultural activities. This is part of a push to make San Francisco a 24/7, fun-filled city, according to the San Francisco Recreation & Park Department.
This initiative, which aims to transform the waterfront area quickly, follows close on the heels of summer initiatives like Bricks at Embarcadero Plaza and the Dirtybird: Back to Baysics concert, events that collectively have drawn thousands. "The Embarcadero is the gateway to Downtown San Francisco and our beautiful Bay is the best backdrop for all these events that are bringing thousands of people here and transforming our City into a 24/7 destination that is fun year round," said Mayor London N. Breed, as per the San Francisco Recreation & Park Department.
In addition to the Sue Bierman Park shows the San Francisco Shakespeare Festival has been performing across the city's open spaces for 42 years, with additional performances scheduled for late August and early September at the Jerry Garcia Amphitheater in McLaren Park. Bringing the seasoned play, which has had three previous runs under the festival's wing, to a new venue underscores the festival's commitment to making high-quality theatre accessible to all. According to the San Francisco Recreation & Park Department, Executive Director Toby Leavitt stated, “This new offering of Free Shakespeare in Sue Bierman Park demonstrates that the performing arts are critical to Downtown’s revitalization”.
The production features Edris Cooper-Anifowoshe in the starring role of Prospero, guiding audiences through a narrative that intertwines human nature, revenge, and forgiveness. The San Francisco Shakespeare Festival actively seeks to break down barriers to cultural participation. It has remained a stalwart presence in San Francisco's arts scene as it continuously works to enhance inclusion. "Free Shakespeare in the Park is truly a ‘come as you are’ event!" Leavitt expressed, as cited by the San Francisco Recreation & Park Department.
