The Winter's Tale at DC Arts Center

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2. The Winter's Tale

​"If this be magic, let it be an art Lawful as eating." ~ V.iii

A king's jealous actions destroy his family. A shepherdess and a prince must keep their love a secret. Sixteen years sit between these seemingly disparate stories as Shakespeare puts our imaginations to work and asks us to confront the tremendous power of our faith.

"The Winter's Tale," written late in his career, shows Shakespeare at the height of his powers. All his trademarks are here - earth-shattering tragedy, off-kilter comedy, reunions, (some) acts of forgiveness, wrapped up in a text that breaks all the rules. More than any of his plays, "The Winter's Tale" is the one that refuses to be tidy. Every attempt made at reasonable conclusions circles back to the undefinable alchemy of the heart.

This will be The Wheel Theatre Company's final production in Washington, DC before they roll to Nashville. Co-Founders Elizabeth Floyd and Jack Read have always shared a deep and abiding love of Shakespeare, and for this special show, the focus will be on their defining trademark: making ordinary things magic.

You will see an Oracle at work. You will see a statue come to life. You will see true love born before you. You will see Time herself. And - yes - you will see a bear. Maybe two.

Authors

• William Shakespeare