Pairing the complexity of Shakespeare with simplicity of nature has long been captured as a timeless art; a beauty to be enjoyed by many. For decades upon decades, parks in Dallas and other renown cities have long formed societies and casts who perform the work of William Shakespeare in outdoor settings.

     Thanks to the Henderson County Performing Arts Center and the Athens East Texas Arboretum and Botanical Society, we now have our own opportunity to experience Shakespeare in the Garden in our own cascade of lush garden, just over 10 minutes from both Malakoff and Eustace.

     From June 21th through 30th, HCPAC will present A Midsummer Night's Dream on the Thursday through Saturday evenings. Beginning at 7:30 PM. beneath the Arboretum's covered gazebo, talent from all over Henderson County will come together to form the incredible cast of near 20 community members that grow the events surrounding the wedding night of Theseus, the Duke of Athens, and Hippolyta, the former queen of the Amazons, to a point.

     Executive Director at HCPAC, David Hill, brings the enchantment of this masterpiece to Athens, TX , rather than Greece, and to the time period of the late 1930's. Lovers quarrel and fairies flutter amongst the beautiful, living backdrop. Shakespeare adds his "play within the play" device to Midsummer, bringing comedy and laughter to all.

     The cost for adults is $17 and $12 for students.. To purchase tickets call the theater at 903-675-3908 or go to www.hcpac.org. Entry can also be done by paying at the gate on the night of the show. The arboretum is located at 1601 Patterson Road in Athens.

     HCPAC is a non profit theatre established over 51 years and holds true to their mission statement "We entertain. We educate. We change lives." Take the family out for a night of classic theatre in the Gardens. You won't want to miss!