As You Like It and Hamlet will be the two main-stage performances at this year’s Shakespeare on the Saskatchewan (SOS) and artistic and executive director Mark Von Eschen says the plays are a perfect fit for the festival’s theme of heroes and villains.

Von Eschen explained the plays are perfect for the festivals 28th year as Hamlet is a play that’s “ violent” and “tragic,” while As You Like It is a “light-hearted, romantic” comedy.

He also noted that giving the public access to live performances is important as they can see how Shakespeare is meant to be witnessed.

“Shakespeare was never meant to be studied in school,” said Von Eschen. “Shakespeare wrote his plays to be performed by professional actors in front of a live audience—and when you have that Shakespeare experience—it comes alive.”

He continued, “The reason why his plays still alive today is because they are full of great characters, they’re funny, they’re violent … you name it—he was a great performer.”

The event runs from July 11 until August 26 and entry to the SOS site and access to the community stage are free, while tickets for the main-stage performances range from $13 to $32.