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Jan. 10 marked the debut of the Great Nordic Shakespeare Festival in Ely.
Presented by the Northern Lakes Arts Association (NLAA), the month-long event blends timeless classics, innovative new works, and hands-on workshops to bring live theater to northeast Minnesota.
The festival opens with Romeo and Juliet, a 75-minute adaptation focusing on the raw emotion and poetic beauty of Shakespeare’s iconic tragedy. The fresh take ensures accessibility for both lifelong fans and newcomers.
“Shakespeare’s stories transcend time and place, connecting people through universal themes like love, loss, and resilience,” said Ian Francis Lah, NLAA’s Executive Artistic Director. “For rural communities like Ely, this isn’t just entertainment—it’s about creating shared experiences.”
With flexible pricing and free admission for students in grades 7-12, NLAA ensures everyone can experience the transformative power of theater.
Festival Highlights Include:
• Every Brilliant Thing: A heartwarming, interactive play about mental health and resilience.
• New Play Readings: Bold, innovative works by emerging playwrights.
• Interactive Workshops: Dive into Shakespeare’s text and modern interpretations.
Through school tours and workshops, NLAA is also reaching students across Northern Minnesota, introducing Shakespeare in an approachable, relatable way.
Event Schedule (Jan. 10–Feb. 2):
• Romeo and Juliet: Jan. 10, 11, 24, 25 at 6:30 p.m.; Jan. 12, 26 at 2 p.m.
• Every Brilliant Thing: Jan. 16, 17, 18, 30, 31, Feb. 1 at 6:30 p.m.; Jan. 19, Feb. 2 at 2 p.m.
• New Play Readings: Jan. 20, 27 at 6:30 p.m.
• Workshops: Jan. 11, 25 To purchase tickets to the shows and workshops visit NorthernLakesArts.org or call 218-235-9937 for more information.
Supported by the National Endowment for the Arts and Arts Midwest, the festival looks to enrich Ely’s cultural life.
“This isn’t just about Shakespeare,” Lah said. “It’s about community, creativity, and celebrating the arts.”
