Next: Twelfth Night or What You Will * May 3-27, 2012

Appu's Indian Food Cart at Twelfth Night Bollywood in Zilker Park


Featuring new music by Austin singer/songwriter Naga Valli, Austin Shakespeare welcomes young and old to a Bollywood-inspired production of one of Shakespeare’s most popular romantic comedies: Twelfth Night; or What You Will! Now in its 28th season of offering Free Shakespeare in Zilker Park, Twelfth Night is the story of Viola, a young girl disguised as the boy servant Caesario in the fantastic world of Illyia who falls head over heels in love with her master, Duke Orsino, as he sends her to Olivia woo for him, the woman he loves. The story is also well-known for the silliest of meanies, Malvolio, who is tricked into wearing a distinctively unusual outfit to also woo his mistress Olivia.

The show features dance moves by acclaimed Austin choreographer, Prakash Mohandas. Two guest artists from Washington DC top the cast with Mary Candler as Viola and Rafael Untalan as Orsino. Both are recent Master of Fine Arts graduates of the renowned Academy of Classical Acting from The Shakespeare Theater, Washington DC.

"Bollywood is now a beloved part of our culture. Young people are especially delighted by its music and dance," explained Artistic Director Ann Ciccolella. Twelfth Night was also titled by Shakespeare What You Will and we embrace that sense of delight and mayhem in our Bollywood costumes and sets!"

May 3 - 27, 2012, Thursdays - Sundays at 8 pm at Zilker Hillside Theatre, next to Barton Springs Pool in Zilker Park. 

For 28 years, audiences of Austinites and tourists have brought blankets and low chairs to sit on the grassy hillside and enjoy Austin Shakespeare's FREE productions at the spacious Zilker Hillside Theatre. At intermission, actors circulate among the audience requesting donations.

Refreshments of food and drink are available for purchase. Visit Appu's Indian Food Cart for delicious Indian food and the Austin Shakespeare Concessions Stand for drinks and snacks.

Announcing Our 2012-2013 Season!

Now entering its 29th Season, Austin Shakespeare is stretching its wings to fly through the 19th and 20th Century’s most celebrated writers. In three locations, with four productions, the professional (Actors' Equity) company will bring audiences comedy and romance with Noel Coward's Design for Living and Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice at the Rollins Theater, plus teens in Shakespeare's beautiful story of parents and their youngsters, Romeo and Juliet at the Curtain Theater and The Winter's Tale in Zilker Park.

The Season

Noel Coward's Design for Living. November 7 – 25, 2012 at the Long Center's Rollins Theater. From one of the world’s most popular wits, a provocative story of three friends who engage in a complicated, comic, and loving, relationship.

Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice. February 6 – 24, 2013 at the Long Center's Rollins Theater. A new adaptation of one of literature's most beloved romances involving the proud Mr. Darcy and the clever Elizabeth Bennett. Features extensive 19th century ballroom dance. Joseph Hanreddy and J.R. Sullivan's new version has been enormously successful at regional theaters around the U.S. recently at Oregon Shakespeare.

Shakespeare's The Winter's Tale. May 1-26, 2013 FREE Shakespeare in the Park at the Zilker Hillside Theatre. A dark romance fueled by the war between jealousy and joy, set in Latin America, staged with tango (choreographed by Monica Caivano of Esquina Tango) and culminating at Carnavale in Rio.

Young Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet, June 20-30, 2013 Richard Garriott's replica of Shakespeare's Curtain Theater off City Park Rd. (FM 2222 & Loop 360). Our fifth year with a new company of teen actors who competitively audition for this production that is directed and designed by professionals. Teen actors for this 6-week intensive program are selected through open auditions.

Support Austin Shakespeare with a Donation

Mary Showered with Roses

Our 2011-12 season kicked off with Shakespeare's masterpiece, Hamlet, featuring Helen Merino (Mary Stuart) in the title role, September 22 - October 9, 2011 at The Rollins Theatre of The Long Center. There's no better way to support our productions than by making a tax-deductible donation. It guarantees high quality productions and the most talented performers available. To make a donation, please visit our donation page or call 512-470-4505.