Support Shakespeare at Vannie

All the world’s a stage, but the Bronx has long lacked a forum to see the most entertaining and enlightening plays in the English language.

That’s about to change, thanks to the efforts of a Shakespeare evangelist who grew up in this borough.

Guy Ventoliere has led the way for the Hip to Hip Theater Company to give a free performance of “The Merry Wives of Windsor” on Saturday, July 25 at 5 p.m. at Van Cortlandt Park. A program for children is scheduled for 30 minutes beforehand.

The show promises to be a delight for audiences young and old. Shakespeare is welcome in just about any form, but there is something special about seeing his plays out of doors. Audiences are more active, actors’ voices compete with birds and insects and the setting sun can add a poignant touch to the scenes.

It is important for the Hip to Hip Theater to get a good turnout. Mr. Ventoliere said the response this month will help determine whether he can bring free outdoor Shakespeare back to these parts, so bring you friends, family and neighbors to the performance!

The Lehman College grad said seeing Shakespeare at Vannie years ago inspired him to specialize in the playwright. Now he is both an actor and manager for his company.

 So there’s another reason to attend. While some youngsters yawn at centuries-old verse (they simply await the right teacher), many others are primed to absorb the gorgeous metaphors and profound observations delivered in lively lines that are intelligible to this day.

Audience members at this month’s performance might become inspired the same way Mr. Ventoliere was. It’s been 399 years since humanity has seen anything quite like “The Merry Wives of Windsor” or one of the author’s more mature works. Who knows? The next Shakespeare might get his start on a lawn at Van Cortlandt Park.