May 4 event to celebrate Shakespeare, ‘Star Wars’ in Richland

A troubled Danish prince and a Wookiee walk into theater.

It sounds like the start of a joke, but it could actually happen next week in Richland.

Mid-Columbia Libraries and The Rude Mechanicals are teaming up for a unique Shakespeare-and-Star Wars-themed event at the Uptown Theatre is at 1300 Jadwin Ave.

It’s planned from 7 to 9 p.m. May 4, which is unofficially known as Star Wars Day. (Think: “May the Fourth be with you.”).

May the Fourth Cantina Night will include trivia, a photo booth and a costume contest. Guests are encouraged to come decked out in Star Wars and/or Shakespeare garb.

The Rude Mechanicals theater company also will perform selections from William Shakespeare’s Star Wars, which uses The Bard’s style to retell the beloved fantasy saga.

“The beauty of what (author Ian Doescher) did was introduce the public to Shakespeare’s language in a context they’re familiar with. You may not know what the actor is saying, but you know Han Solo is going to fall in love with Leia. It uses Star Wars to open the door,” said Davin Diaz, communications and advancement director at Mid-Columbia Libraries.

The cantina event was a natural for the library system because, “our goal is to promote literacy and engage the public in fun and interesting ways,” Diaz said.

The event is for people 21 and older. Admission is free, and food and drinks will be available for purchase from the Emerald of Siam, Frost Me Sweet, The Country Gentleman and The Glass Onion.

This story was originally published April 27, 2016 at 5:42 PM with the headline "May 4 event to celebrate Shakespeare, ‘Star Wars’ in Richland."