Shakespeare Under the Stars: NYC’s Iconic Free Summer Performance Returns to Harlem — And The 2026 Show Has Been Announced

Shakespeare under the stars? Don’t mind if we do! Harlem summer nights are getting a dramatic upgrade as The Classical Theatre of Harlem announces *Othello * as its 2026 Uptown Shakespeare in the Park production , bringing passion, power, and poetry to Marcus Garvey Park —totally free . The year may just be getting started, but these chilly days already have us dreaming about what’s ahead . And honestly, nothing says summer quite like spreading out on a blanket , feeling the evening breeze , and getting swept up in a live performance under the open sky —one of those quintessential NYC moments that makes the wait for warmer weather totally worth it. Shakespeare in the Park is one of NYC’s most beloved summer traditions , turning warm evenings into communal theater experiences under the stars. From first-time viewers to lifelong fans , audiences gather on blankets and lawn chairs to watch timeless stories unfold. Uptown Shakespeare in the Park , presented by The Classical Theatre of Harlem , brings that magic to Harlem each year with bold, culturally resonant productions that celebrate accessibility, community, and world-class performances right in the heart of the neighborhood. Ty Jones, Artistic Director of The Classical Theatre of Harlem, said: For Uptown Shakespeare in the Park , we seek plays that speak directly to our audiences today . *Othello’s* unraveling is not just personal; it is societal . It asks audiences to see how racism, militarization, and psychological trauma intertwine to destroy both the body and the soul . His tragedy is not jealousy alone , but the crushing aftermath of being asked to serve, to excel, to assimilate — and yet never to belong . Presenting this work outdoors, free and accessible to all , as always, is central to our mission . 🎭 What to know ------------------ * 📍Marcus Garvey Park, Harlem * 🗓Summer 2026 (dates to be announced) * 💸Free and open to the public * 🎬 Directed by Carl Cofield * 🌳 Presented by The Classical Theatre of Harlem Summer truly can’t come soon enough . We’re already dreaming of warm evenings in the park, blankets spread out on the grass, the city buzzing around us, and Shakespeare’s words floating through the air as the sun sets over Harlem. Until then, consider this your official reminder to clear your future summer calendar —because Uptown Shakespeare in the Park is shaping up to be one of those can’t-miss NYC moments that turns an ordinary night into something unforgettable. To learn more about The Classical Theatre of Harlem, visit their official website. Source: https://secretnyc.co/free-shakespeare-othello-harlem/