Where To Catch A Free Shakespeare Play In The South Bay This Month

MANHATTAN BEACH, CA — Friends, Romans, countrymen, lend me your ears to tell the tale of several free Shakespeare shows taking place across the South Bay and Los Angeles County this month.

Shakespeare by the Sea, a nonprofit organization, has been putting on free shows in Los Angeles County this summer, performing the English playwright's "Julius Caesar" and "As You Like It."

William Shakespeare's "Julius Caesar" tells the tale of the once-Roman emperor's rule and the conspiracy leading up to his assassination. It was first performed in 1599. Meanwhile. "As You Like It," written in 1599, is a play that touches on themes of love and identity.

Although the performances have almost come to an end, with a concluding festival on July 25 and 26, there are still several dates lined up before then.

Here is where you can catch a performance in the next before the end of the month:

• As You Like It — July 16, at 7 p.m. (Verdugo Park in Glendale, 1621 Canada Blvd.)
• As You Like It — July 17, at 7 p.m. (Polliwog Park in Manhattan Beach, 1601 Manhattan Beach Blvd.)
• Julius Caesar— July 18, at 7 p.m. (Polliwog Park in Manhattan Beach, 1601 Manhattan Beach Blvd.)
• Julius Caesar— July 19, at 7 p.m. (Garfield Park in South Pasadena, 1000 Park Ave.)
• As You Like It— July 20, at 7 p.m. (Garfield Park in South Pasadena, 1000 Park Ave.)
• Julius Caesar— July 23, at 7 p.m. (Roxbury Park in Beverly Hills, 471 Roxbury Dr.)
• As You Like It— July 25, at 7 p.m. (Veterans Park in Redondo Beach, 309 Esplanade)
• Julius Caesar— July 26, at 7 p.m. (Dominguez Park in Redondo Beach, 200 Flager Ln.)

Shows take place outdoors, with organizers recommending people bring blankets and low chairs. Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. All plays are free, but anyone who wants to reserve a preferred seating arrangement can do so by donating $250 or more, according to organizers.

Shakespeare By The Sea was launched in 1998 by Lisa Coffi. Since then, it has grown into a series of plays and a summer festival.