Carl Cofield stages Shakespeare's tightest tragedy in a stone amphitheater a block off 125th Street, with James Udom as the general Iago spends the entire play dismantling and Nick Westrate as the man doing the dismantling. Uptown Shakespeare in the Park has been a Harlem summer fixture for two decades, and this staging drew notices from the Times and the Wall Street Journal. These are the final performances of the run, and the whole thing is free.
What to expect
An outdoor amphitheater with fixed seating, a live design that leans on light and sound rather than heavy scenery, and a straight one-hour-forty-five performance with no intermission. Neighborhood regulars turn out early with food and folding chairs. Expect a vocal, engaged crowd that reacts audibly to Iago's asides.
Good to know
- The amphitheater is inside Marcus Garvey Park near Mount Morris Park West, a short walk from the 2/3 at 125th St.
- RSVP through the company's free ticketing link, then arrive early because seating is not assigned.
- There is no intermission, so handle food, drinks and bathrooms before the show starts.
- Bring bug spray and a light layer; the amphitheater is open to the sky and the park gets buggy after dark.
- Closing performances of a free run draw the biggest crowds of the season, so budget extra time in line.
Common questions
Do I need to reserve?
Admission is free, but the company runs a free RSVP through its site and recommends reserving in advance because the amphitheater fills.
How long is the performance?
About one hour and forty-five minutes, played straight through with no intermission.