Thursday, June 24 to Sunday, June 27; Thursday, July 1 to Saturday, July 3; Thursday, July 8 to Sunday, July 11; Thursday, July 15 to Sunday, July 18; 8pm, Schiller Park Amphitheater, 1069 Jaeger St.

While based on events prior to emancipation, The African Company Presents Richard III manages to evoke the dichotomy of Black Americans’ experiences throughout history: the constant battle to improve Black experience and culture while also battling for acceptance in a white-dominated power structure.

A funny, bold portrayal of a group of people trying to escape in the poetry of a theatrical giant, The African Company also shows us how universal Shakespeare’s work is, and how it can inspire those who engage with it. This play is for anyone who fights for — no, demands — the right to be seen; who understands that “classic” does not always mean white; who understands that smart, creative Black people will always overcome when pushed to the brink.

All performances are offered for free (donations will be accepted during intermission), or you may reserve a chair or a blanket [for a fee] in advance. New for 2021 are premium boxes of two reserved zero-gravity chairs for $45, and basic boxes with a reserved ATC logo blanket (that you may keep after the show!) for $25. Reserve your boxes here.

Hosted by Actors’ Theatre of Columbus.