Cortex Welcomes St. Louis Shakespeare Festival’s TourCo

ST. LOUIS – A larger-than-life tale of revenge, forgiveness, and magic on a remote island awaits audiences this Friday, August 9, 2024, at 6:30 p.m. in the Cortex Innovation District.

Cortex is proud to welcome St. Louis Shakespeare Festival’s TourCo to the Cortex Commons for a free, live theatre production of “The Tempest,” the romantic story of powerful forces shaping the fate of shipwrecked nobles and mystical beings.

“TourCo is all about taking Shakespeare off his pedestal and into our St. Louis neighborhoods,” said Tom Ridgely, producing artistic director. “Hearing them where we go to celebrate, relax and play gives us these stories at their most joyful and down-to-earth. Every community in St. Louis deserves the best of our arts scene as part of its daily life.”

The production aims to inspire audiences, making Shakespeare accessible to those who might not otherwise have the opportunity. This actor-centric production features a versatile cast of six, tackling multiple roles and creating a rich theater of the imagination with the help of 10 fantastical puppets.

Guests are encouraged to come early for dinner in the District or to grab it to-go to enjoy during the show. Each TourCo performance lasts about 90 minutes, and guests are welcome to bring blankets or lawn chairs for seating. Some seating is also available at tables in the Cortex Commons.

Parking is available in the Orange Garage or at meters along Duncan and Boyle. Guests may also take MetroLink to the Cortex stop.

Reporters, Meteorologists, and Photojournalists are invited for live shots at 4, 5, and 6 p.m. on the Cortex Commons near the corner of Duncan and Boyle.

About Cortex
Cortex creates equitable economic impacts by leveraging high-quality facilities, developing programs that build knowledge and networks, and convening strategic partnerships that attract and support emerging and established companies. Founded in 2002 through a collaboration of Washington University in St. Louis, BJC HealthCare, the University of Missouri – St. Louis, Saint Louis University, and the Missouri Botanical Garden, Cortex (CortexSTL.org) is a 200-acre, internationally recognized hub of innovation and entrepreneurship.  

About St. Louis Shakespeare Festival
The St. Louis Shakespeare Festival strives to foster community and joy across the St. Louis region through the Shakespearean tradition of art for all. Since 2001, the Festival has grown from producing a single production of Shakespeare in Forest Park to a year-round season of impactful programming in exciting and accessible venues throughout the bi-state area. Artistic and education programs reach over 50,000 patrons and students each season. Their award-winning work has been featured in the New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and Bloomberg News. Link to Media Assets here.