LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — As we celebrate the 10th anniversary of Shakespeare at the Lake, we’re honoring tradition by breaking one.

This summer’s “Romeo 'n Juliet” won’t sound like the clipped British accents many expect from Shakespeare. 

Instead, you’ll hear a distinctly American Southern dialect. It’s not a gimmick — it’s a return to something closer to the truth.

Linguists and historians agree that the way English sounded in Shakespeare’s time (a style known as “Original Pronunciation”) was far more rhotic than today’s British accent. 

That means they pronounced their R’s loud and proud — more like what you’d hear in the hills of Appalachia or parts of the American South. 

In fact, some experts suggest that these regions preserve elements of the Bard’s own sound better than modern London does.

When I first heard a line from “Romeo and Juliet” spoken in a soft Southern drawl, it clicked. The rhythm of iambic pentameter. The music in the vowels. It is truly magical. The words take on a new life and an ease of understanding, both for the speaker and listener.

When we first heard this theory, my wife and I tried it out. “To be or not to be,” “A rose by any other name would smell as sweet” and others from the top of our heads worked. 

Then we started looking up whole speeches from plays and testing it more. It simply felt right. There was an ease of expression, and moreover, the challenging iambic pentameter became more simple and more informative with each line. 

So we decided to give it a try this year, with “Romeo ‘n Juliet.”

Did it work? Well we want you to let us know. Come sit by the water. Listen and decide for yourself. We think you will enjoy it. 

Shakespeare at the Lake is a co-production of Lake County Theatre Co. and Mendocino College. 

All shows start at 7 p.m., and are free to the public. 

On Saturday, July 26, and Sunday, July 27, at Library Park in Lakeport, and Friday, Aug. 1, and Saturday, Aug. 2, at Austin Park in Clearlake you can enjoy live local theatre.

Bring your folding chair and come on down y’all!

John Tomlinson is director of Shakespeare at the Lake.