Room for a comedy

Shakespeare by the Sea partners with the Rooms

By Melissa Wong
My Online Journalism Blog

A Shakespearean comedy from olden days played before a Newfoundland museum of history last Saturday.

From July 6 to August 11, Shakespeare by the Sea's actors performed The Comedy of Errors in the Fortis courtyard and Amphitheatre at the Rooms.

Kate Saunders worked the box office for Shakespeare
by the Sea on Saturday, July 6th. She accepted
donations and sold t-shirts, notebooks, hats,
and water bottles for the theatre company.Melissa Wong/My Online Journalism Blog 

Kate Saunders worked the box office on the opening day of the comedy.

Saunders sat at a foldable table by The Rooms' outdoor theatre last Saturday. She sold the theatre troupe's merchandise, accepted donations and provided information to anyone who goes to the festival from her table.

"(The Comedy of Errors) starts at 2:00 everyday Saturday and Sunday," Saunders said.

Once everyone was seated on the large rock seats, on the grass, or in foldable chairs facing the stone platform where Sandra Mills, the general manager of the festival, stood. Mills addressed the crowd, as the actors left The Rooms and approached the stage.

"(The Rooms) … made it possible for us not to miss a show of comedy," Mills said. "On rainy days, we'll be inside on the third-floor atrium."

Mills thanked all the sponsors who made their ‘By Donation Only policy' possible. Supporters can attend the plays without having to buy tickets because of patrons who support the shows. People can still support the player, by donating a sum which suits their wallets at the box office.

"Our second Shakespearean show, the tragedy of you-know-who," Mills said. "I am not about to say it- Scottish play- you know whom I am talking about. That will open on July 12th on signal hill."

The cast of The Comedy of Errors used props to create
a ship for the opening of the play. From July 6 to Aug 11,
they will be performing in the Fortis courtyard and
Amphitheatre at the Rooms every Saturday and Sunday.
 Melissa Wong/My Online Journalism Blog

Mills avoided saying the word ‘Macbeth' because William Shakespeare's Scottish play is said to have been cursed. According to the Royal Shakespeare company's website, an actor can break the play's curse by going outside, turning around three times, spitting, cursing and then knocking on the door to be let back in. 

 "Without further adieu, I present to you... The Comedy of Errors," Mills said before walking off stage.

A drum began to beat as the crowd applauded and the first play of the season began.

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©Melissa Wong