A Company of Fools

brings Shakespeare in the park to a whole new level

PHOTO: JUSTIN-VAN-LEEUWEN

Getting out to see quality classical in-person entertainment, not on the screen, is a real treat and Ottawa’s A Company of Fools is happy to be getting back to what it does so well: performing Shakespeare in the park.

A Company of Fools is one of only three professional theatre companies in Ottawa. The actors are pros, but the Fools do things a bit differently. There are no advance tickets. Instead, when the show ends and the proverbial curtain drops, the audience is encouraged to pay what they can into a collection hat. The idea is to make all the performances accessible to anyone who wants to watch. And, you don’t have to travel far to see a show; chances are one will be coming to a park close to you. The group is performing 45 shows this summer in 40 different parks in and around Ottawa.

Nicholas Leno, the artistic director of A Company of Fools, says that the energy is there for the upcoming tour. “Everyone is so happy to be back in the parks doing what they love.” Leno went on to say that there’s a great feeling in being back as it’s become a summer tradition to watch A Company of Fools in communities across Ottawa.

The shows attract a wide swath of the public. Although most are not traditional theatre-goers, the performance instills a magical sense of wonder for children and renew an appreciation for live theatre in older audience members.

The performances may take place in ordinary neighbourhood parks, but there’s still a stage and a set that a crew builds the afternoon before a show. Leno describes it as “all of a sudden, it’s like a theatre has just popped up in your backyard.” This year, the set is two stories high. Leno says it is ambitious and requires a lot of sweat and time, but the payoff is magical for him and everyone involved.

Henry Austin Shikongo plays the role of Prospero in the upcoming staging of Shakespeare’s The Tempest. Shikongo’s natural energy is captivating, and his love for Shakespeare is compelling — his enthusiasm is off the charts.

hikongo enjoyed taking in A Company of Fools productions during his time in theatre school and said there is “just something about the energy of the actors.” He describes the shows as “funny and full of physicality.”

According to Shikongo, one of the most incredible things about A Company of Fools is that “every character is treated as the main character.” The shows are ensembles, and actors often double up to perform multiple roles. “Everyone really gets equal playing time and gets to show their stuff . . . You’re surrounded by extremely talented, high calibre actors.”

Shikongo believes this kind of theatre takes a specific type of determination because they are so physical, vocal, and filled with so much energy. He is looking forward to his first season performing outdoors with the company, which he explains is a right of passage for actors.

By making the shows accessible to everyone, A Company of Fools is providing entertainment and a valuable community service — it is a chance to see professional actors performing their craft without the added cost of transportation and parking while also being able to pay what you can afford.

This summer, grab the family, pack a picnic, and head to your local park to catch a performance of The Tempest. If the cast’s enthusiasm means anything, you won’t be disappointed.

The Tempest runs from June 20 to August 13, 2022. A Company of Fools will also perform Hamlet from September 12 to October 1, 2022. Both plays run for 90 minutes.