Original Practice Shakespeare Festival presents “Two Gentlemen of Verona”

Original Practice Shakespeare Festival offers a free presentation of “Two Gentlemen of Verona” at 7 p.m. July 23 at Irving Park, 707 N.E. Fremont 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: Protheus loves Julia. Valentine travels. Valentine loves Sylvia. Speed loves bed. Launce loves a dog. Protheus changes his mind, loves Sylvia, betrays Valentine, betrays Julia, betrays Thurio, and generally acts like a privileged child. Valentine, banished, becomes outlaw king. Julia dresses as a boy. Protheus is foiled and forgiven. Weddings.

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.