The théâtre de verdure du jardin Shakespeare is a delightful open air theatre in the Bois de Boulogne, to the west of Paris. Last month we saw Macbeth there in a dramatic performance by the Tower Theatre Company. It was my 8-year-old daughter’s first taste of Shakespeare and, after grappling with the arcane language for a while, she declared it enjoyable.
I very much liked the setting, with its different areas planted to represent various Shakespeare scenes – from a heath for Macbeth’s witches and the brook where Ophelia drowns to a woodland for a Midsummer Night’s Dream.
The stage itself is a splendid affair, with a mass of different entrances and exits, and all sorts of narrow paths and steps for the cast to gamble around. Underfoot is gravel, which apparently requires daily sword fight practice to avoid the characters loosing their footing and producing rather more “blood and death” than intended. Altogether it is a delightful enclosed space, worth a visit even if no performance is scheduled.
As a Brit in Paris, I think a post about Shakespeare in the Bois de Boulogne is as good a way as any to pause this blog for a while. We leave France in a couple of days and, after some time in the UK, will be setting off for our new adventure in India in early August. I hope very much to return in the autumn with stories of Mughal landscapes and colonial parks and ancient garden tombs…
Just landed here after reading a post about tea gardens. Assam, Darjeeling? Looking forward to your next post!
I hope you find new landscapes to love in India. Best of luck with your move.
Have a safe and wonderful trip exploring landscapes. Will see you on your return.
Jill, Good luck with your move. I’ll look forward to seeing your posts from India. -Jean
What a delightful comparison to the theatricality in Vaux le Vicomte, where at least you weren’t contemplating accidental bloodshed… Bon voyage, et bonne continuation!
Best wishes for safe travel and after you’ve settled in I look forward to your explorations. A bientot!
What a delightful evening that must have been! I LOVE open air plays and the setting sounds perfect! I will look forward to your posts from India. Have a great summer!
Jill, I knew you were doing this but now its upon you. What an exciting change. I can’t wait to hear about your new life in India. Best of luck to you and your family on your travels. Carolyn
Dear Jill,
You have enriched my life so much (and my love of Paris) with your blog. You are a magnificent writer with a plethora of knowledge and a curious spirit. I know that we’ll have the pleasure of learning much about the Indian landscape from you once you’re settled into your new home. Enjoy your vacation and safe travels. Warmly, Fran
Very interesting, had never heard of this before.