About the Show

Saheem Ali directs a joyful TWELFTH NIGHT as Free Shakespeare returns to a newly renovated Delacorte Theater.

In Twelfth Night, Shakespeare’s beloved comedy of mistaken identities, shipwrecked twins Viola and Sebastian are separated in a strange land, setting off a cascade of disguises, misplaced affections, and unexpected reunions. Viola, disguised as a man, becomes entangled in the romantic woes of Duke Orsino and Lady Olivia, while Sebastian’s sudden arrival throws everything into delightful confusion.

This production is directed by Tony Award nominee Saheem Ali, Associate Artistic Director and Resident Director of The Public Theater. Known for his work on Merry Wives and Fat Ham, Ali brings his vision to this new staging of Shakespeare’s classic.

Presented by The Public Theater at the newly renovated Delacorte Theater in Central Park, Twelfth Night marks the return of Free Shakespeare in the Park after a major transformation to improve accessibility, sustainability, and audience experience.

Critic Reviews (15)

“It’s a romp, a tonic, an escape from the clamorous world into a fantasy.”
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“Oscar winner Lupita Nyong’o’s spirited star turn anchors The Public Theater’s sturdy, easy-to-like production of Twelfth Night that spills over with music and a freewheeling vibe.”
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“Ali’s production is too intent on jollying us along. In doing so, it misses that crucial Shakespearean paradox — that these plays’ extremes offset and enrich one another. Nothing hurts; nothing transcends.”
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“So this ‘Twelfth Night’ is merry and rambunctious and comically inventive—the curtain call becomes a party…but almost never truly stirring.”
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"This summer’s Shakespeare in the Park production is a raucous, unconventional and rewardingly funny outing"
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"...this is a brisk, sleek and joyful Twelfth Night, measuring up to the last one at the Delacorte—the storybook 2009 version that starred Raúl Esparza, Audra McDonald and an ardent Anne Hathaway in pageboy drag."
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“Ali compensates for this giant void at the heart of his production with first-rate design elements, including Bradley King’s enchanting lighting and pristine sound by Kai Harada and Palmer Hefferan.”
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"If it isn't the last word on this evergreen comedy, it exudes a spirit of generosity that is irresistible."
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