When summer comes to Saratoga, so does Shakespeare. Until the premiere of the local theater company, Saratoga Shakespeare’s, first performance in mid-July, it’s not uncommon to hear some of the renowned playwright’s most famous works belted for all of Congress Park to hear and see, as the troupe rehearses for the summer’s production.
Known for its unique outdoor theater experience, which director and a founder of the 10-year-old company Will Farlay said goes perfectly with the very essence of Shakespeare, the troupe has become a cultural mainstay in the area and a much-anticipated sign that summer has arrived.
Most cultural places have a summer Shakespeare festival or company that performs and we just thought there was a need for free Shakespeare here in Saratoga, said Farlay. `We decided we didn’t want to do community theater, we wanted a professional theater company, so we bring actors from Chicago, L.A., Boston, New York City and sometimes local people.`
This year’s production is `Hamlet,` a special play for the company because it’s the first non-comedy it has ever performed, said Farlay, and is also one of Shakespeare’ biggest plays. While Farlay is fond of putting a twist on the traditional stories, like turning `As You Like It` into a western lip sync musical, he’s kept Hamlet a fairly period piece.
`Because I consider it such a beautiful piece of literature, I’m keeping it traditional and moving it just a little bit in terms of period, but I doubt anyone would even know,` said Farlay.
Saratoga Shakespeare prides itself on making the playwright’s work accessible to everyone, said Farley. While it’s sometimes construed as confusing or difficult to relate to, Farlay said that’s far from how it should be.
`Shakespeare is very versatile. The language is so strong and I think that’s why a lot of people think they won’t understand it. But that’s also why you can do a lot with it and the messages are universal messages you can update,` said Farlay. `The average theatergoer can come into our park to see a play and relate. We have Shakespeare scholars to track workers who don’t even speak English, and they both enjoy the plays because they’re highly physical and told very well.`
For those that are Saratoga Shakespeare enthusiasts, a familiar face might stick out onstage this year. Brian Nemiroff, a New York City native, will make his debut on the Congress Park stage for the third time, as Laertes, the man who kills Hamlet in the final scene.
While Nemiroff has spent a lot of time on an indoor stage, in independent films and making several appearances on ABCs `One Life to Live,` he said there’s something about the outdoor theater experience that excites him.
`There’s a kind of spontaneity about it. I like the idea that someone could literally just be walking through the park or riding a bike and see this majestic play going on. It will literally stop them in their tracks and they’ll be forced to all of a sudden pay attention because something that’s catching their eye,` said Nemiroff. `Indoor theater caters more to what people think of as a true theater experience, but there’s a factor you get outdoors that you don’t get inside, and that’s the ability to appeal to many more people.`
Nemiroff said the live element of theater is what sets it apart from movies, which he also likes starring in.
`Every night it’s something different and I can guarantee you I’ll be a little different every night. I can’t do it the same exact way twice and I don’t want to,` said Nemiroff.
He’s the performance equivalent of a `jack of all trades,` also playing the bass and writing music. He said dappling in every performance outlet caters to his lifestyle and lets him choose more than one thing to be and live in the moment.
`I’m lucky to basically be living my dream. I’d love maybe a little bigger stage for what I’m doing and a little more money for it wouldn’t hurt either,` said Nemiroff. `I just want to keep raising the stakes. Whatever the highest level of theater is, I want it. If it’s Broadway, I’m down. If being in this huge movie is the next level for film, then great, the biggest stage is all I want for myself.`
Returning to Saratoga Shakespeare is special for him because it was one of his first professional theater gigs.
`It brings it full circle and this performance in particular I realize how much I’ve grown,` said Nemiroff.
`Hamlet` will be performed on the Alfred Z. Solomon Stage in Congress Park, Tuesday through Saturday, July 13 to 17 and July 20 to 24, at 6 p.m., and Sunday, July 18 and 25, at 3 p.m. Shows are always free.
“
