SHAKESPEARE IN THE COMMUNITY- SMITH STREET STAGE

Shakespeare is an endearing and enduring tradition of summer that thrives in big cities and small towns all over America, but maybe no city more synonymous with the theater in honor of the Bard than New York. This is mostly due to the famed celebrity laced, large productions put on by the Public Theater in Central Park. But in the vibrant, yet cozy, family oriented Brooklyn neighborhood of Carroll Gardens there’s a gem of a Shakespeare production company called Smith Street Stage. It may not be as known in the other boroughs, but celebrating its 15th anniversary, it has a noteworthy recent history that has become a beloved staple in the heart of Brooklyn.
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With a minimal, yet effective stage design and understated contemporary costumes, what really takes center stage for this production is the overall environment full of charm and intimacy. Whether you are seated in the designated area in front of the stage, or on one of the many park benches throughout, or watching while playing with your kids in the adjacent playground, there’s basically no bad seat in the house, so to speak. Furthermore, Smith Street can boast a strong talent level from its refreshingly diverse ensemble cast and led by the commanding presence of McLean Peterson in the title role.

After experiencing their latest production, “Henry V” (now through June 29), their commitment to combining Shakespearean authenticity, with strong characterization and creative presentation is obvious. The company’s mission and goals are emphasized by artistic director, Jonathan Hopkins. Below is my interview with him.

PF: Can you sum up in your own words the goals of the company and how you set out to achieve it with every production?

JH: The goals of the company are to do actor-focused Shakespeare that makes clear and deep productions. We focus on character and relationship, and we focus on finding clear and relatable choices for who the characters are, what their experiences are, and what's at stake in a given scene. We believe that if we do this work well, people who've never seen a Shakespeare show will be able to follow and enjoy our productions, and people who've seen countless Shakespeare shows will be able to watch and find something new in ours. 

PF: Why decide to do this in a city already known for Shakespeare in the Park and seemingly filled with so much theater, on and off Broadway? What did you know you could bring to the community in a different way?

JH: Really, we did one show in Carroll Gardens in 2010 and the reaction of the neighborhood was so supportive, thoughtful and enthusiastic that we felt there was an audience for us in that community, as well as an audience for the specific way we were working. We're artists. We're made to make stuff. Now, I feel like we have an obligation to that community, by which I mean that neighborhood and the kids who grow up watching our shows, but also to the people from all over the city to see our work and see, I hope, Shakespeare's plays more clearly and more expressively, and in a way that helps them apprehend the potential connections between this literature and our own lives and times. I also feel an obligation to our community of artists, who've worked with a lot of effort and skill and intention to make meaningful productions in a very challenging environment.

PF: What has this meant to the community, as in the neighborhood and community of actors and artists? What has this meant to you in creating it and being a part of the community?

JH:  I think it has meant an incredible amount. It's truly accessible. It's free, it's easy to get to, there are no lines; but it's also accessible because we focus on the story beats and finding who these characters are as recognizable people. It's incredibly skilled but also unpretentious. Many people watch the shows because they're already in the park and they stay to see the show. Others stop on their way home from work (the subway is right on the corner). We keep this audience in mind with everything we do: can someone with no prior relationship with the show - perhaps with no intention to even see the show! - sit and watch and follow and see something of their own life reflected? And our actors feel that as well.

It's been the privilege of my life. I mark the years by what show we did. I remember the scenes and the moments and now, when reading those plays, still hear the voices of the actors who spoke them and gave them life. 

PF: Why did you decide on “Henry V” for the special anniversary production?

JH: We wanted to do a play that dealt with political leadership, nationalism, conflict, the power of collective endeavor, and posed a question as to what we'd be willing to accept in the name of political/national victory. The choice, and many subsequent production choices, advance that question: what's acceptable to you if it means you get to win? The production (I think) resists answering that question for the audience. I think Shakespeare's play is fairly balanced in that regard (I know some people disagree) and our production has tried to maintain that balance. 

This Brooklyn-based company’s commitment to bringing Shakespeare’s works to the small stage and love to community is shared with their counterparts in various venues throughout the country. Others worth highlighting include The Curtain Theater which has been bringing free Shakespeare in the park to Marin County, California, just outside San Francisco, for over 20 years. The beloved comedy “As You Like It” will take center stage for their 2025 season (August 9 - September 1). What is the stand-out for this company is its location among the giant Redwood trees behind the library in Mill Valley (one of the most uniquely beautiful libraries, by the way).

While the Berkshires towns in Western Massachusetts is a hot bed of arts and entertainment throughout the summer. Probably most known for the Tanglewood Music Festival, but not far from the summer home for the Boston Symphony is an outstanding theater company- Shakespeare & Company. This summer they will be hosting a production of “Romeo and Juliet” (July 12 - August 11). Unlike the former two highlighted companies, this one is ticketed.
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For more information about the current and future Smith Street Stage productions, go to this link - www.smithstreetstage.org/playing-now