June 25, 2025 - As You Like It in Boston Common, Frederick Douglass' July 4 speech, and the Queer (Re)Public Festival

This summer Commonwealth Shakespeare Company brings “As You Like It,” to the Parkman Bandstand for this year’s annual - and free - Shakespeare on the Common production. Actress Nora Eschenheimer, who stars as Rosalind, and actor Michael Underhill, who stars as Orlando, join The Culture Show for an overview. “As You Like It” runs July 23rd through August 10th. To learn more go here.From there we revisit Frederick Douglass’ 1852 Fourth of July speech, which confronted the hypocrisy of celebrating freedom in a country that still endorsed the forced labor and bondage of more than 3 million people.  It’s a speech with deep resonance today. This is why Mass Humanities sponsors public readings of it, which happen across the region. Brian Boyles, executive director of Mass Humanities, and Kyera Singleton, Executive Director of the Royall House and Slave Quarters join The Culture Show to talk about this year’s events. To learn about upcoming readings go here.Finally Giselle Byrd, Executive Director of The Theater Offensive, previews their inaugural  “Queer [RE] Public Festival” showcasing art and performance by and about queer and trans artists of color. It kicks off on June 26th and runs through June 29th at Arrow Streets Arts in Cambridge. To learn more go here.