Camp Shakespeare Kids to Perform Love’s Labor’s Lost

King of Navarre: “Let fame, that all hunt after in their lives, Live registered upon our brazen tombs, And then grace us in the disgrace of death.

Therefore, brave conquerors, for so you are That war against your own affections Our late edict shall strongly stand in force.

Navarre shall be the wonder of the world; Our court shall be a little academe, Still and contemplative in living art.”

Thus begins the journey of Shakespeare’s feast of language, Love’s Labor’s Lost. A play filled with strong oaths and even stronger wit, passionate love at first sight and profound loss, and what may be Shakespeare’s finest portrayal of youth, faith, and the power of words.

Such is the challenge for the new group of Camp Shakespeareans, whose arrival in Fayette County on Sunday, June 7th marks the beginning of this summer’s literary adventure culminating in three public performances. Founded in 2000 by University of Texas professor emeritus Jim (Doc) Ayres, Camp Shakespeare provides young people the opportunity to explore Shakespeare through performance with as much rigor and care as their college-age counterparts in the Shakespeare at Winedale program, also started by Doc Ayres, in 1964, and which has called Winedale home since 1970. Today, Ayres enjoys the role of “Director of Mission,” working with students on the language, having passed the directorship of Camp Shakespeare to Robin Grace Soto.

“The world of the play is so similar to the world these Campers enter into when they arrive,” Soto says. “The poetry of this play speaks to what it means to be young, to dedicate yourself to something bigger than yourself. It is the story of four classmates committing themselves to learning in a secluded setting, away from the rest of the world! And the mishaps and magic they encounter along the way. It is a rich story, and we are honored to watch these young Shakespeareans bring it to life.” Reservations for the performances are recommended but not required. For additional information about performance dates, times, and locations and to make your reservation please email robingracesoto@ utexas.edu or call (512) 471-8743.

‘Love’s Labor’s Lost’ by William Shakespeare

Presented by Camp Shakespeare at Winedale

• Friday, June 19th, 3 p.m. at The Crystal Theatre in Gonzales

• Saturday, June 20th, 3 p.m. at La Grange ISD Performing Arts Center in La Grange

• Sunday, June 21st, 2 pm at the Winedale Theatre Barn in Winedale 

Ticket Information:

Tickets are $10. Children 12 and under are free. For ticket reservations, please contact Robin Grace Soto (robingracesoto@ utexas.edu).

Tickets can be paid for at the door using cash, check, or card.