Our Story

Shakespeare in Paradise was established in 2009 by Ringplay Productions. Inspired by Philip Burrows’ and Nicolette Bethel’s experience at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, Shakespeare in Paradise was designed to be an international theatre festival held every fall in Nassau, The Bahamas. At its inception, it had the following goals:

Celebration and Development of Bahamian Theatre

The Bahamian tradition of theatre is a long and robust one. Shakespeare in Paradise is designed to celebrate the best of the past while helping to shape a strong future.

Education & Exposure

We’re committed to exposing Bahamian audiences to a range of productions from classical theatre traditions around the world. Our decision to hold the Festival during the academic year enables us to offer specifically tailored educational packages to local and international schoolchildren.

Community Outreach

Shakespeare in Paradise is specifically targeted to offer opportunities to individuals in the cultural community who have passion and talent, but limited access to training and experience.

Our Team

Among us, the members of Shakespeare in Paradise have well over fifty years’ experience in Bahamian theatre and theatre production in general.

Our History so Far

Since its establishment, Shakespeare in Paradise has presented work by William Shakespeare, Bahamian classics, one-person shows about the African-American/Caribbean experience, and musical extravaganzas. We have hosted theatre practitioners from the US, the UK, Canada, Guyana, Trinidad and Tobago, and Jamaica. In 2018, we created and premiered an original Bahamian jukebox musical based on the songs of Eddie Minnis, artist, writer and songwriter. That same year, we also created Short Tales, an evening showcasing short new plays directed by early-career directors and featuring new actors and crew members. Short Tales is in its third year of production, having been derailed for a year by COVID-19.

Our audience is made up of students, educators and longtime followers. Why don’t you join us?