The School of Theatre and Dance is preparing for the annual Houston Shakespeare Festival in August at Miller Outdoor Theatre. The production will present “As You Like It” as well as “Antony and Cleopatra” with Crystal Dickinson (left) as Cleopatra and Seth Gilliam (right) as Antony. | Courtesy of Mike Emery
To show dedication to a former director, the School of Theatre and Dance is hosting and presenting two classic performances at the annual Houston Shakespeare Festival at Miller Outdoor Theatre throughout August.
The festival will celebrate 38 years in memory of one of its founders and former School of Theatre and Dance Director Sidney Berger. The festival will feature “Antony and Cleopatra” directed by Leah C. Gardiner and “As You Like It,” directed by Marc Masterson.
In “Antony and Cleopatra,” recent theatre graduate Colin David plays Eros, Antony’s loyal attendant.
“It’s a great honor to be performing some Shakespeare for the public, and the shows are all completely free too,” David said.
“I’m absolutely amazed by all the cast and crew. This is my first year participating in the festival, but I can tell its really has grown over the past few years.”
In 1969, Berger came to UH to transform the theatre program. He served as a professor, a director and a mentor to many students. He has also taught famous actors such as Dennis and Randy Quaid.
Berger also started the annual Houston Shakespeare Festival as a tradition in 1975. The first show he directed was “Taming of the Shrew”. He directed his last show in 2010.
With the recent passing of beloved professor and director, the actors have a large plate to fill at this year’s festival.
“Even though I never had him as a professor, I heard him speak and he was brilliant. Hearing him speak about Shakespeare was simply amazing,” David said.
“I was very moved. I saw the last show he directed, ’Much Ado About Nothing’, and I loved it. It was simply brilliant.”
Berger has received many awards for his works. In the 1991 academic year, he received the Esther Farfel Award, he highest honor for UH faculty members. He also received the Theatre Under the Stars Ruth Denney Award in 2007 and was recognized by Congressman Gene Green in regards to the Shakespeare Festival.
In 2010, Aug. 6 was named “Sidney Berger Day” by Mayor Annise Parker.
The Houston Shakespeare Festival commences on Aug. 2 and will conclude on Aug. 11. All performances start at 8:30 p.m. Tickets are available for reservation.
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