As Polonius said in Shakespeare's Hamlet, "Brevity is the soul of wit." And that is the goal behind this upcoming one-weekend only show at Zilker Park.

On May 18-21, Austin Shakespeare will put on their local favorite Short Shakespeare at Zilker Hillside Theater. The performances are directed by Gwendolyn Kelso and include four abbreviated renditions of classic Shakespeare comedies: A Midsummer Night's Dream; The Tempest; Twelfth Night; and Hamlet.

“If you’ve never seen Shakespeare, these four abbreviated plays with their comedic spirit will be a great introduction,” Austin Shakespeare Artistic Director Ann Cicccolella said in a press release. “And those who love The Bard will have a wonderful time with these talented actors and the creative interpretations.”

The 20-minute plays will be highlighted by the small cast, only five members, and two musicians. Isaac Howell is a recurring Austin Shakespeare actor, cast alongside Texas State University theatre students Wallis Brown and Schaeffer Certenberg.

The remaining two actors are making their Austin Shakespeare debut: Luke Ellis and Isabelle Dickey. Ellis was born in Stratford-upon-Avon, also known as Shakespeare's birthplace, and trained at the Rose Bruford College of Speech and Drama in London. Dickey studied at Ithaca College and received her BFA in Acting.

Sets and lighting are by resident designer Patrick Anthony, costumes are by Kristin Knipp, and properties are by Tressa Gilmer.

Short Shakespeare is free to the public, and will be performed at 8 pm on May 18-21. Audience members are encouraged to bring their own blankets or low chairs to the event.