Almost 400 years later, the world is still enraptured by the lovers, heroes, fairies and deviant minds that dominate tales penned by William Shakespeare. In tribute to the approaching anniversary of his death (April 23, 2016), a statewide collaboration of arts organizations formed the Virginia Shakespeare Initiative to promote a series of Bard-honoring events and ensure that all of Virginia’s a stage.
Wednesday 10/14 through 11/28
The Winter’s Tale: Romance, comedy and tragedy lead to transcendent beauty. Blackfriars Playhouse, 10 S. Market St., Staunton. (540) 851-1733.
Thursday 10/15 through 10/18
Twelfth Night: A crazy Christmas renaissance in Italy. Sweet Briar College, 145 Chapel Rd., Sweet Briar. 381-6120.
Thursday 10/15 through 11/28
Joan of Arc (Henry VI, Part I): Shakespeare’s spellbinding take on the War of the Roses. Blackfriars Playhouse, 10 S. Market St., Staunton. (540) 851-1733.
Friday 10/1-16 through 11/29
A Midsummer Night’s Dream: A mischievous comedy of lovers, heroes and fairies. Blackfriars Playhouse, 10 S. Market St., Staunton. (540) 851-1733.
Friday 10/16 through 11/1
Macbeth: A power struggle for the throne entwines magic, murder and insanity. Four County Players, 5256 Governor Barbour St., Barboursville. (540) 960-0649.
Saturday 10/17 through 11/27
Antony and Cleopatra: The chaotic collision of opposites in a classic love story. Blackfriars Playhouse, 10 S. Market St., Staunton. (540) 851-1733.
Sunday 10/18
National Theatre Live in HD presents Hamlet: Classic Shakespeare with Benedict Cumberbatch in the title role. The Paramount Theater, 215 E. Main St., Downtown Mall. 979-1333.