Cheap Theatre in Toronto for the Week of August 20th, 2013

Five-for-Twenty (Or Less)

You can take this week’s cheap theatre theme two different ways – 4/5 of it is Shakespeare and 4/5 is outdoors. Either seems appropriate for (I hate to say it) end-of-summer theatre. Take some time to revel in the high summer heat or high summer theatre. All for less than $20!

Shakespeare In High Park: Macbeth (Canadian Stage). The classic tragedy is performed outdoors on alternating nights with The Taming Of The Shrew. Previews Jun 26-Jul 2. Opens Jul 3 and runs to Sep 1, Fri, Sun and Wed 8 pm. Pwyc ($20 sugg). High Park Amphitheatre, 1873 Bloor W. canadianstage.com.

Shakespeare In High Park: The Taming Of The Shrew (Canadian Stage). The classic comedy is performed outdoors on alternating nights with Macbeth. Opens Jul 4 and runs to Aug 31, Thu, Sat and Tue 8 pm. Pwyc ($20 sugg). High Park Amphitheatre, 1873 Bloor W. canadianstage.com.

BuskerFest (Scotiabank). The outdoor performance festival features European street theatre, aerial arts, dance, music, clown and more by Seb Whipits, Lisa Lottie, Fireguy, the Twin Tango and others. Aug 22-25, see website for schedule. Pwyc (donations to Epilepsy Toronto). Downtown Yonge, from Queen to College. torontobuskerfest.com.

King Lear/The Double Hook by William Shakespeare/Sheila Watson (Bill Kischuck). Kischuck presents his adaptations of the two plays. Opens Aug 17 and runs to Aug 24, Sat 2 pm. Free. Muzzo Family Alumni Hall, Room 400, 121 St Joseph. kinglear_doublehook@yahoo.ca.

Richard III by William Shakespeare (Shakespeare in the Ruff). A ruthless Duke marries and murders his way to the English throne in this outdoor show. Bring a blanket or chair. Previews Aug 13-14. Opens Aug 15 and runs to Sep 1, Wed-Sun 7 pm (plus Aug 26). Pwyc. Withrow Park, 725 Logan. shakespeareintheruff.com.