OTTAWA – In honour of William Shakespeare’s birthday, Ottawa Public Library (OPL), in partnership with Company of Fools, will present a live theatrical reading of Act 1 of The Tempest, directed and adapted by Ray Hogg.

This event will take place on Facebook Live on Thursday, April 23 at 1 p.m..

Best known for their Torchlight Shakespeare in the Park series, Company of Fools would normally perform versions of Shakespeare’s hits in more than 35 community parks during July and August.

However, the local company’s 2020 season has been postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. OPL is pleased to connect OPL customers and the community to the lively and versatile performers of a Company of Fools and help keep theatre alive in our city during this period of isolation.

“As the audience listens to the actors, they will have a chance to see costume designs and set design renderings created by Vanessa Imeson and Brian Smith,” OPL staff released in a statement today (April 22). “Following the performance, they will also be able to participate in a brief Q&A with the cast, director, and designers.”