The Night Shift Theater

Sharing Shakespeare over a Drink

"It's free, bawdy, brash, bold, and back!" claims the flyer of The Night Shift Theater's Drunken Shakespeare III program on Dec. 9 at Bar 9 in New York City.

This "Bardian-karaoke lovechild" invites Shakespeare lovers to grab a beer and try out a speech or sonnet before "fellow fools and misfits." Those who don't have a piece memorized can read from one of the Complete Works provided. Patrons will also be able to participate in a raffle. In keeping with the recent trend of all-male and all-female productions in New York, organizers are encouraging participants to attempt gender swapping in their selections.

This is Night Shift's third iteration of Drunken Shakespeare. A session this past summer attracted about 80 people and was named a New York Critic's Pick in Time Out magazine.

Festivities begin at 8 p.m. Admission and participation is free. Bar 9 is at 807 9th Ave., New York NY 10019; nearby subway stops are 50 St. (1,2, A, C, E), and 59 St. Columbus Circle (1, 2, A, B, C, D).

For more information, like The Night Shift Theater on Facebook, or follow the company on Twitter and Instagram @thenightshiftny. To watch a video from the first Drunken Shakespeare, including snatches of "Once more unto the breach" spoken by a Teletubby, click here.

November 26, 2013

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