Original Practice Shakespeare Festival presents “Twelfe Night (or What You Will)”

Original Practice Shakespeare Festival offers a free presentation of “Twelfe Night (or What You Will)” at 7 p.m. July 30 at Gateway Discovery Park, 10520 N.E. Halsey St., 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: Orsino loves Olivia (unrequitedly). Twins, Viola and Sebastian, are shipwrecked. Viola cross-dresses, works for Orsino, and Olivia falls in love with her/him. Olivia’s dr-uncle and friends trick Malvolio into thinking Olivia love him. Olivia (confused) marries Sebastian. Twins reunite, Malvolio’s gulling and Viola’s gender are revealed, Orsino proposes to Viola.

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.