Barden Party Born in a New Zealand Backyard

Shakespeare in the backyard? At the height of New Zealand’s Covid-19 restrictions, American-New Zealander Laura Irish had an idea. Sarah Yamanaka Waipahu investigates for Spectrum News 1.

“I had just experienced being let go from another cancelled theatre show due to Covid,” Irish said. “I was standing on my deck thinking, ‘This is bigger than most stages I have performed on.’”

A Shakespeare buff, Irish pondered the thought: The Bard + a Garden Party. The Barden Party was born. She envisioned a fluid show that could adapt to any space performed by a nimble travelling cast, just as travelling troubadours did hundreds of years ago.

With the goal of spreading fun and joy across the United States, The Barden Party recently kicked off its US tour on Oahu, Hawaii.

Original article by Sarah Yamanaka Waipahu, Spectrum News 1, July 6, 2022.