William Shakespeare wrote 37 plays that we know of. Those of us who were English majors in college now see the bard’s name and become filled with a mixture of inspiration and something akin to PCESD (Post College Exam Stress Disorder). There is the beauty of the words that were crafted within the confines of iambic pentameter, but then there is the memory of having to pick every single line of King Lear apart and analyze it inside and out. Yikes. After having studied (by force) Shakespeare’s plays one cannot help but to revere the genius presented in them, but how often do we really go back and take a look at them en masse.

Well, here’s your chance… sort of. From Sept. 13-22, ARTworks at Beaufort Town Theatre will present The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged), a hilarious trip through the 37 plays in only 97 minutes. Don’t you wish you had that in college?

The piece was first performed in 1987 at The Edinburgh Festival Fringe, considered the world’s largest arts festival. A group of comics who had spent a great deal of time performing renaissance festivals put the play together and its popularity was instantaneous. The actors at Beaufort’s community theater have taken on the entertaining challenge of this play that will have audiences doubling over in their seats. I first saw the show as a senior in high school and remember walking out of the theater with mascara-tinted tear stains on my sore-from-laughter cheeks. The Beaufort version of the show is sure to produce the same result for those who see it.

ARTworks is located in the black box theater in Beaufort Town Center in the heart of the historic coastal town. The location is perfect for those wanting to grab dinner before the show at one of the many restaurant options, like Amata Thai Fusion, which is known for putting on a show for the tastebuds with fresh ingredients and beautiful presentation.

For more information on the ARTworks presentation of The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged), click here.