Rediscovering the Bard: The Great Nordic Shakespeare Festival Comes to Ely, MN

Prior to COVID, Executive Artistic Director Ian Francis Lah had just joined the prestigious Texas Shakespeare Festival as a company member. It was a dream come true for Ian—a chance to immerse himself in the depth and beauty of Shakespeare’s plays. But like so many artists, Ian’s plans were abruptly disrupted by the pandemic. He found himself wondering if he would ever get the opportunity to delve deeply into the Bard’s timeless works again.

Fast forward five years, and Ian, alongside the Northern Lakes Arts Association (NLAA), is back with an inspiring new venture: the Great Nordic Shakespeare Festival in Ely, Mn. This event, running from January 1 to February 2, 2025, in Ely, MN, is a testament to resilience, passion, and the unifying power of theater. Supported in part by the National Endowment for the Arts and Arts Midwest through the Shakespeare in Our Communities grant, the festival is designed to make Shakespeare and contemporary theater accessible to everyone in Northern Minnesota.

What to Expect: A Blend of Classic and Contemporary Theater

The Great Nordic Shakespeare Festival offers a diverse lineup of performances and workshops that invite audiences of all ages to explore and celebrate the arts.

Romeo & Juliet: A Classic Reimagined

Nothing says Shakespeare like Romeo & Juliet, and this production promises a fresh, bold take on the iconic tale of star-crossed lovers. The play, set against the timeless themes of love, conflict, and family, will be performed at the Vermilion Fine Arts Theater in Ely. This production is not only for theater enthusiasts but also for students across Northeast Minnesota. Schools have the unique opportunity to book this show for their students, bringing the power of Shakespeare directly to their classrooms. Each performance will be followed by an interactive Q&A session, offering students a deeper understanding of the play and the world of professional theater.

Every Brilliant Thing: An Intimate Exploration of Mental Health

While Shakespeare’s works are timeless, the festival also embraces contemporary voices. Every Brilliant Thing by Duncan Macmillan offers an intimate, interactive exploration of mental health, family dynamics, and the complexities of human experience. It’s a powerful yet uplifting play that balances humor with the sensitive subject of mental health. Through its unique format, the audience is invited to participate, making every performance a shared, personal experience. If you’re looking for theater that touches the heart and sparks conversation, this is a must-see.

New Works Staged Readings: A Platform for Emerging Voices

The festival doesn’t stop at Shakespeare. It’s also a platform for contemporary playwrights to showcase their work. The New Works Staged Readings feature original performances from emerging voices, bringing fresh, relevant stories to the stage. These readings are an exciting opportunity to witness the next generation of theatrical talent and explore themes that resonate with today’s audiences.

2025 Shakespeare Workshops: Unleashing Creativity

Education and engagement are at the heart of the Great Nordic Shakespeare Festival. The 2025 Shakespeare Workshopsare designed for participants to dive deep into Shakespeare’s world. Workshops like “Unlocking the Bard” and “Shakespeare Rewritten” encourage participants to explore character development, scene creation, and even modern adaptations of Shakespeare’s language. With flexible pricing options and free spots available for grades 7-12, these workshops are accessible to all and provide a hands-on learning experience that brings Shakespeare’s text to life.

School Tour: Bringing Shakespeare to Northeast MN

For schools and libraries in Northeast Minnesota, the festival offers an incredible opportunity to host Romeo & Juliet on-site. With tailored performance options and affordable pricing, the school tour makes it easy to provide students with a professional, live theater experience right in their own communities. Whether performed in a gymnasium, auditorium, or common space, each show is adapted to fit the school’s needs, ensuring that every student has the chance to witness the magic of Shakespeare firsthand.

Building Bridges Through Theater: A Community Celebration

The Great Nordic Shakespeare Festival is more than a series of performances; it’s a community-wide celebration of the arts. By making theater accessible to rural and low-income households, the festival aims to foster a lasting appreciation for Shakespeare and contemporary theater. It’s about breaking down barriers, building cultural bridges, and enriching the community through shared artistic experiences.

Don’t Miss Out! Tickets Go on Sale Mid-October

Whether you’re a lifelong fan of Shakespeare or someone new to the theater, there’s something for everyone at the Great Nordic Shakespeare Festival. Tickets will go on sale in mid-October, so be sure to reserve your seats early. This is a unique opportunity to experience world-class theater in the heart of Ely, MN. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit NorthernLakesArts.org.

Supported by the National Endowment for the Arts and Arts Midwest

This project is supported in part by an award from the National Endowment for the Arts and Arts Midwest through the Shakespeare in Our Communities grant. We are grateful for their support in bringing high-quality, accessible theater experiences to our community and fostering a deeper appreciation for Shakespeare’s timeless works.

Let’s celebrate the awe and wonder of theater together this January at the Great Nordic Shakespeare Festival!