Grace Against Tyranny: A Review of "The Winter's Tale" at American Players Theatre

Mary Wisniewski, NewCity Stage

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The word “grace” appears sixteen times in William Shakespeare’s “The Winter’s Tale.” Depending on the context, it can mean both gift and forgiveness. It’s a necessary balm in a cruel world.

And this world is terribly cruel. In the first part of “The Winter’s Tale,” a pregnant queen is accused unjustly of jealousy by her mad, tyrannous king. Their newborn daughter is left in the wilderness to die. It doesn’t seem possible to come back from this deep sadness.

But life, hope and humor do come back, though it takes sixteen years. In this new and marvelous production at American Players Theatre, directed by Shana Cooper, “The Winter’s Tale” shows how time and grace can heal what seems irreparable.

The play begins in the Sicilian court of King Leontes (Nate Burger) and Queen Hermione (Laura Rook). They are hosting Leontes’ childhood best friend, Polixenes, the king of Bohemia (La Shawn Banks). In the first scene, the kings horse around like overgrown frat boys. It shows their affection, and foreshadows that these powerful men have some growing up to do.

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