Wherefore art thou Otways?

Shakespeare in the Otways: 2017 Spring Trilogy has begun, with two more performances by the Sly Rat Theatre Company left.

The next in the series is enigmatic fantasy The Tempest, performed at Australia’s oldest working lighthouse – the Cape Otway Lightstation this Saturday at 6.30pm

This production will combine the spectacle of ballet, the tragedy of opera, the delight of clowns and stunning visual effects, redefining what an outdoor Shakespeare event can be.

Finally, the primal passions and timeless themes of Romeo & Juliet will be staged among the beauty and romance of the vines at Otway Estate Winery and Brewery on November 18 at 6pm.

Sly Rat Theatre Company director Alan Chambers is looking forward to the final two performances of the trilogy and has ensured the performances are a family friendly event.

“Often people can be scared away by Shakespeare, but I’ve made sure that even if we were to hit a mute button, the audience, of all ages, could still follow along,” Alan said.

“We ensure there is pantomime for the kids and innuendos for the adults, showing the versatility of what Shakespeare is capable of.

“Outdoor theatre is a completely different ball game to stage theatre. The cast interacts with the environment a lot more; we’re even hoping to turn on the Lighthouse in The Tempest performance.”

Shakespeare in the Otways was created in response to the economic downturn resulting from the Great Ocean Road bushfires in 2015 and has since actively been supported by the Colac Otway Shire and Great Ocean Road Regional Tourism.

Tickets can still be purchased by heading to shakespeareintheotways.com, with children under five years admitted free.