SYRACUSE, N.Y. (NCC News) – The works of William Shakespeare have stimulated minds for centuries. Syracuse Shakespeare in the Park (SSITP) brings the Bard’s mastery directly to the heart of Central New York.
Perhaps Shakespeare’s most notable creation was Hamlet, which took center stage at Thornden Park this weekend.
Anne Margaret Childress, director of the show and part-time professor, said SSITP unites the community through theater.
“It brings Shakespeare to the masses, which is what [SSITP] was intended for in the first place,” Childress said. “It provides a method of understanding the arts, and a method of being involved in the arts for the local community.”
SSITP gives local actors and actresses the opportunity to sharpen their skills on a smaller scale, and gives Central New Yorkers a taste of Shakespeare.
Syracuse resident Katie Warner has read every sonnet Shakespeare has ever written. She says supporting community events is a crucial part of being an informed citizen.
“It’s great for media literacy, it’s a great way to be a well educated and well-rounded individual,” said Warner. “Being involved in one of these is great for our artistic students, as well as those who are not so artistically inclined to find something outside of just regular education.”
SSITP returns to Thornden Park this weekend for their last three productions of Hamlet.
