Shakespeare in Clark Park, rare film screenings, and a soulful opera keep summer going

This is that part of summer when things get quiet. There’s less people roaming the streets or riding the subways and buses. There’s more talk about September than there is about August. Fresh Prince’s Summertime has lost its annual magic and heatwaves kick us in the tush to remind us how much of a challenge Philly summers can be. But don’t let that give you the summertime sadness that Lana Del Rey warns us about, and take in a few weekend gems in the city.

Shakespeare in Clark Park, film screenings, tap dance, soul opera, and the 14th annual Car Show and Street Festival are here to keep summer alive.

Shakespeare in Clark Park

Shakespeare in Clark Park returns with a free performance of King Lear. The classic tale of power and madness and a kingdom divided, the series opens on Wednesday, July 24, 2019, and plays through Sunday, July 27. All performances are at 7pm at the Clark Park ‘bowl’, 4300 Baltimore Avenue.

Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood

I’m a sucker for 35mm film screenings, and this weekend, Quentin Tarantino’s ninth film is coming to the Roxy, 2023 Sansom Street. The Philadelphia Film Society has Pennsylvania’s only 35mm print of the film, which follows Tarantino frequent collaborators Leonardo DiCaprio and Brad Pitt. Check out showtimes and pick up tickets online. Screenings begin Thursday, July 25, and run until Thursday, August 1.

A History of Black horror

Horror-movie expert Ashlee Blackwell is presenting the history of African Americans in horror films on Friday, July 26, at 7pm. The presentation begins with an introduction to the history of Black representation in horror films and will be followed by a screening of Horror Noire: A History of Black Horror. A Q&A session follows the screening, and his hosted by Scribe, furthering their mission to explore, develop, and advance the use of filmmaking as both an artistic medium and a tool for progressive change. Check it out at the Scribe Video Center, 3908 Lancaster Avenue. Tickets are $5.

Tap Dance at Painted Bride

Painted Bride is having an evening of dance and music with dancer/choreographer Robyn Watson, and will be joined by vocalist Seriah Frazier and drummer Wesley Rast. On Friday, July 26, at 8pm at the Painted Bride Art Center, 230 Vine Street, Watson will present excerpts from Notes From A Dark Rib, the first installment of the trilogy of the Blackbirds’ Suites. The piece addresses representation of Black women in America through the music and inspiration of Nina Simone. Tickets range from $10 to $15 and are available online.

Realms: A Soul Opera

On Friday, July 26, multidisciplinary artist Kingsley Ibeneche premieres Realms: A Soul Opera, a combination of original music, dramatic dialogue, and movement that tells an interdimensional love story. Ibeneche’s soul opera comes to life through the creative intermingling of themes from ancient Greek tragedy, Elizabethan soliloquy, Nigerian high life, and futuristic boom bap. The performance is part of the Philadelphia Museum of Art’s 'Friday Nights' series, and tickets are free with admission.

14th Annual Car Show and Street Festival

The 14th Annual Car Show and Street Festival takes over East Passyunk Avenue on Sunday, July 28, from 11am to 4pm. The afternoon event will include hundreds of antique and classic cars, as well as street vendors, rack sales, kids’ activities, live music, and the Bang! Boom! CRAFT! show. Admission is free; see a full list of participants online.