Shakespeare Festival St. Louis: Love's Labours Lost

A little corner of Forest Park becomes a Spanish kingdom this summer when Shakespeare Festival St. Louis presents Love's Labour's Lost. King Ferdinand of Navarre and his intimates Berowne, Dumaine and Longaville all jointly swear off the company of women for three years to better themselves through fasting and study. This oath immediately becomes a problem when the Princess of France and her ladies arrive in Navarre to negotiate for the return of some French property currently in Navarre's possession. The noblewomen are forced to set up camp outside the court to honor Ferdinand's pledge, but the sanctity of the vow is sorely tested when Ferdinand goes out to visit with the lovely princess. Secret letters are soon exchanged and disguises are worn so that love may follow its natural course. Love's Labour's Lost is performed under the trees of Shakespeare Glen (Fine Arts and Government drives; www.sfstl.com) at 8 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday (May 29 to June 23). Admission is free, and food and drink will be available on site so you can make a night of it.