In its fifteen years running, the Heart of America's Shakespeare in the Park has put on more than twenty productions by William Shakespeare for free. This summer the play is Othello, one of Shakespeare's most famous tragedies.

Shakespeare in the Park began as a sort of challenge that was extended to its founder, Marilyn Strauss.

In 1990 she had made it in New York and worked in a Broadway office when Joseph Rapp, a friend, said "You're a Kansas City native. There's not a festival there. You made it in New York and on Broadway – now give something back, something you personally create...and keep it FREE!" That is what began the search for a great festival and what eventually became Kansas City's Shakespeare in the Park.

According to the website, the first step was to form a Shakespeare club. Next, Strauss had to pitch the idea of a Shakespeare festival to city leaders, governments, and agents. All of this just to get the ball rolling.

Then Strauss had to get sponsors. Kansas City Parks and Recreation, Neighborhood Development Department, The Kansas City Star and the City Council all jumped on board to support a free Shakespeare program.

Located in Southmoreland Park, across the street from The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, an extravagant stage was built to hold an abundance of talent. Visitors can bring their own blankets to sit on, reserve a blanket in front, or reserve a chair.

This summer you can enjoy the festival once more. Othello will run from June 17-July 6. The show begins at 8pm, but starting at 6pm there will be jugglers, storytellers and Paul Mesner Puppets on select nights.

For more information, visit http://www.kcshakes.org/come.htm.

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