The Rotary Club of Oberon has just wrapped up three fantastic days of festivities, bringing the magic of Shakespeare to the local community. With the help of Sydney-based performing arts group “Come You Spirits,” this inaugural event was a celebration of classic theatre, community spirit, and cultural enrichment.
The festival kicked off on Thursday with two engaging workshops—one at Columbia Age Care Home and another at Oberon High School. These sessions provided both the elderly and young students a chance to experience the timeless works of Shakespeare in an interactive and accessible way.
On Friday, the festivities continued with a Shakespearean feast at Malachi Gilmore Hall. Attendees enjoyed a wonderful evening filled with period-themed dining, camaraderie, and lively performances that transported them to the world of the Bard.
Saturday saw the streets of Oberon come alive with the spirit of Elizabethan theatre. A small Shakespeare play was performed outside Malachi, captivating passersby with its energy and charm. Later that evening, the festival reached its grand finale with a spectacular performance of A Midsummer Night’s Dream at the Common, where the open-air setting added an enchanting atmosphere to the play’s whimsical storyline.
The Rotary Club of Oberon extends its heartfelt thanks to everyone who contributed to the success of the festival. Special gratitude goes to Malachi Gilmore Hall for hosting the event and to Inner Wheel Oberon for their exceptional service and delicious dinner on Friday night. A sincere thank you is also extended to Wayne Barker for his support.
A big shoutout to our fellow Rotary Clubs from Bathurst and Orange Daybreak, who helped with the sausage sizzle on Saturday night, and to our District Governor Rob Uhl for his invaluable support. The Oberon SES provided essential services, including a generator and first aid, and the Oberon Council facilitated access to the Common, ensuring a seamless event. Columbia Age Care Home and Oberon High School were instrumental in making the workshops possible, and of course, a very special thank you goes to “Come You Spirits” for their outstanding performances. Most importantly, thank you to our audience, whose enthusiasm and participation truly brought the festival to life.
As the Rotary Club of Oberon looks ahead to the possibility of hosting another Shakespeare Festival in 2026, we are taking time to reflect and properly document the 2025 event. While there is much to consider before embarking on this journey again, the overwhelmingly positive community feedback has been truly encouraging.
The Rotary Club of Oberon would like to thank the community and hope to everyone at their next festival!
