'Naked Shakespeare In The Park' To Return To Prospect Park

PROSPECT PARK, BROOKLYN — A tradition of naked theater productions in Prospect Park will take on new meaning when it returns this summer.

After a year of the physical and social isolation of the coronavirus pandemic, Torn Out Theater's revival of its nude performances of Shakespeare plays will celebrate live theater and human touch like never before, according to organizers.

The theater company is slated to make its return in August with a production of Antigonick, an adaptation of Antigone.

“It is a joyous privilege to gather together for live theatre after this year of isolation, loneliness,
and fear. It feels absolutely vital to make work that celebrates the beauty of human connection,
while simultaneously honoring the pain and loss that so many people have endured,” Director Britt Berke said in a release “Our production of Antigonick will use nudity to ask intimate and
dangerous questions about mortality, autonomy, and the magnificent importance of human
touch.”

The "Naked Shakespeare in the Park" return will kick off Thursday, Aug. 19 and include four performances throughout the weekend at the park's Music Pagoda, which sits at the north end of the Nethermead.

It will bring Torn Out Theater's tradition of using a mix of clothing and nudity to explore issues of body positivity and normalize the naked human form, according to organizers.

In Antigonick in particular, which is adapted by Anne Carson, the play will investigate the "battle between state politics and body politics and to champion intimacy as a radical tool for sociopolitical change."

Here's what you need to know to catch one of the shows:

WHERE: Music Pagoda in Prospect Park. Find directions here.

WHEN:

• Thursday, August 19, 6 p.m.
• Friday, August 20, 6 p.m.
• Saturday, August 21, 3 p.m.
• Sunday, August 22, 3 p.m.

HOW: There are no advance reservations. Seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Audience members can bring their own picnic blankets or chairs. Folding chairs may be available to rent.

WHO: Antigonick will be directed by Britt Berke, Associate Artistic Director of Torn Out Theater, and produced by Carson Crow. It will feature dramaturgy by Andy Jo, original music by Xander Browne, and stage management by Emily Bubeck.

The cast of Antigonick will include Samantha Auch, Sha James Batzby, Milo Longenecker, Sandile Mhlaba, Kaia Parnell, David John Phillips, Sophia Quiroga, Amy Scanlon, and El Yurman.