Theatre company gets permit to perform in Halifax park despite woods ban

Shakespeare by the Sea presents Robin Hood this summer. (Source: James Arthur MacLean)

For one Halifax-based theatre company, the show will go on despite a provincewide ban on activities in wooded areas due to ongoing hot, dry conditions.

Shakespeare by the Sea, which typically puts on outdoor productions in Point Pleasant Park, says it obtained a permit to continue operations this summer following the Nova Scotia government’s decision to restrict entry to woods earlier this week.

“August is historically our busiest month of the year, where we make most of our revenue,” the company said in a news release. “Without this permit, we would have been unable to continue the season. Without a way to make up ticket revenue, this would have put the company financially at risk after 32 years in the park.”

Shakespeare by the Sea says patrons must follow conditions of the permit, which include:

• stay on the main path as marked when walking to and from performance sites
• not enter wooded areas in Point Pleasant Park
• stay at performance sites
• no smoking or vaping

“It’s very important that we comply with all of these conditions of our permit in order to keep everyone safe,” the company said. “By attending a performance, you are agreeing to abide by these additional measures.”

This season, Shakespeare by the Sea is presenting “Robin Hood: The Legendary Musical Comedy” (July 5 to Aug. 30), “As You Like It: The Walkabout Experience” (July 25 to Aug. 29) and “Unrehearsed Romeo and Juliet” on Aug. 31.

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