Experience the Bard’s beloved comedy like never before in our al fresco production of Twelfth Night, set to a sultry jazz soundtrack that echoes the sophisticated sounds of 1960’s Rome.

Couture costumes, Sofia Loren-style, shimmer under the stars as our cast brings to life the timeless tale of love, deception and mistaken identity, infused with the decadent glamour of Fellini’s La Dolce Vita.

Join us for a night of revelry and romance, where Shakespeare’s witty repartee meets the hedonistic charm of Italy’s ‘Sweet Life’.

Duration: 90 minutes (No Interval)

Cast

Creative Team

This new staging of Twelfth Night is helmed by acclaimed South African director Steven Stead, known for his emotionally intelligent and visually appealing work. The production embraces a mid-century Italian aesthetic, drawing visual and tonal inspiration from Fellini’s La Dolce Vita and the jazz-laced elegance of post-war Europe. Stead leads a powerhouse creative team including set designer, Greg King, costume designer, Maritha Visagie and composer Wessel Odendaal, collaborating to create a unified world where Shakespeare’s Illyria meets the fashion, passion, and cinematic allure of 1960’s Rome.

The Maynardville Open-Air Festival is one of South Africa’s most cherished cultural traditions. In 2026, it celebrates 70 years of Shakespeare in the park with a bumper season of music, theatre, and dance under the stars.

The 2026 programme is themed In Full Swing — a vibrant journey through the style, rhythm, and sensuality of the golden eras of music.Whether for the rhythm, revelry, or summer magic, Maynardville 2026 will have you swingin’ from the chandelier!Read on to discover the full lineup.