Shakespeare in the Ruff presents: PASTORAL

Written by Ho Ka Kei (Jeff Ho) Directed by Warona Setshwaelo Shakespeare in the Ruff is an outdoor theatre company that creates bold and contemporary adaptations of classic plays. Located in the east end of Toronto, we put on an annual summer show in Withrow Park, near the Danforth. Our productions put Shakespeare in a blender: we use his words as a springboard to create new works of theatre that reflect the lives, concerns, and dreams of our east end neighbours. This year, for our 15th anniversary, our summer show is called Pastoral . It’s a laugh-out-loud sequel to Shakespeare’s romantic comedy As You Like It. Once upon a time, a young woman named Rosalind disguised herself as a boy and escaped persecution in the forest of Arden, where she fell in love with certified hunk Orlando. Years later, the now-married couple must return to where it all began, when they uncover an urgent threat to their beloved forest. Join us under the willows in Withrow Park for this comedic celebration of love and community. August 18 - 30, 2026. Preview performances August 15 and 16. All shows begin at 7:30 pm. Our shows are free or Pay-What-You-Can, and no one is turned away.