Original Practice Shakespeare Festival presents “Comedie of Errors”

Original Practice Shakespeare Festival offers a free presentation of “Comedie of Errors” at 7 p.m. July 31 at Elizabeth Caruthers Park, 3508 S. Moody Ave., Portland. The company uses the original practice techniques of Elizabethan England: limited rehearsal, scrolls in hand, audience interaction, and an onstage prompter. Gender-fluid casting (just like in Ye Olde Shakespearean Days) is the norm.

To sum up the plot: Two sets of identical twins, masters (Antipholus) and servants (Dromio), were separated by shipwreck. Antipholus of Syracuse arrives in Ephesus and Adriana mistakes him for her husband (E.Antipholus). S.Antipholus gets a gold chain E.Antipholus ordered, but then E.Antipholus is arrested for not paying. Confusion reigns until Antipholus’ parents are found.

The Original Practice Shakespeare Festival performs all 25 plays in its repertory over the summer at 11 different Portland parks, with no admission fee. The company of skilled, flexible actors will perform with occasional interruptions of songs, dances and sketches. Shows usually begin at 7 p.m. and the audience is welcome to arrive during the hour before to watch dance and fight rehearsals. Children and leashed dogs are welcome. Picnic meals are encouraged. To see the complete summer schedule, visit www.opsfest.org.