Original Practice Shakespeare Festival presents “Richard III”

Original Practice Shakespeare Festival offers a free presentation of “Richard III” at 7 p.m. Aug. 28 in Portland’s Mt. Tabor Park amphitheater, Southeast 60th Avenue and Southeast Salmon Street. 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: After years of civil war, England is ruled by Yorkist Edward IV. His brother, Richard, coveting the throne, has his brother Clarence, nephews, wife, enemies, and friends killed on the way to ultimate power. At the Battle of Bosworth, he is defeated by the Tudor Richmond, who becomes Henry VII.

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. Leashed dogs are welcome. Picnic meals are encouraged. To see the complete summer schedule, visit www.opsfest.org.