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One of East Hawaii’s longest-running theatrical traditions returns this month as the Hilo Community Players present the 48th Annual Shakespeare in the Park Festival, featuring two versions of William Shakespeare’s “The Winter’s Tale.”

With performances running through July 20 on the UH Hilo Performing Arts Center lawn, the festival remains free and open to the public, continuing a nearly half-century commitment to accessible, community-centered theater.

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This year’s main-stage production, “The Winter’s Tale,” directed by local Shakespeare specialist Theon Weber, invites audiences into a world where royal jealousy leads to heartbreak, only to give way to pastoral joy, reconciliation and even a touch of the miraculous.

One of Shakespeare’s most genre-bending plays, “The Winter’s Tale” blends intense drama with comedic charm and — yes — a famously mysterious stage direction: “Exit, pursued by a bear.”

Weber, known for directing previous crowd-favorites “Romeo &Juliet” and “Julius Caesar,” brings his deep knowledge of the Bard to bear (pun intended) in this elegantly modern yet faithful staging.

“The Winter’s Tale is a story about the things time can heal,” Weber said. “It’s full of grief and redemption, cruelty and love — and the ultimate hope that no mistake is beyond forgiveness.”

The production features a cast of local talent, including Odysseus as King Leontes, Sarah Elliott as Queen Hermione, Melinda Polet as Paulina, Sean Douglas as Antigonus and a show-stealing appearance by The Bear. Rounding out the ensemble are performers of all ages and experience levels from across the East Hawaii community, proving once again that Shakespeare belongs to everyone.

Performances of “The Winter’s Tale” will take place Thursdays through Saturdays at 7:30 p.m., and Sundays at 2:30 p.m.

But the festival doesn’t stop there.

In a parallel production tailor-made for younger audiences, Hilo Community Players present Kid-Shake’s “The (Wacky) Winter’s Tale,” a spirited and silly adaptation of the same play, written and directed by Alya-Joy Kanehailua.

With a script crafted especially for keiki and teen performers, this one-hour romp turns Shakespeare’s themes of mix-ups, misunderstandings and reunions into a fast-paced, laugh-out-loud journey filled with fun surprises — and a bear or two of its own.

“Shakespeare doesn’t have to be intimidating,” Kanehailua said. “It’s full of the same things kids love — big feelings, wild characters, funny situations and plenty of heart. We just dial up the fun and let the kids take the lead.”

Performed by Hilo’s rising stars, the young cast of “The (Wacky) Winter’s Tale” brings freshness and joy to the summer stage. The adaptation is ideal for families, school-aged children and anyone who prefers their Shakespeare with a side of giggles.

Kid-Shake performances take place Saturdays at 4 p.m. and Sundays at noon.

Audiences are encouraged to bring low-back chairs or blankets for a relaxed, open-air theater experience on the lawn of the Performing Arts Center. While all shows are completely free of charge, donations are gratefully accepted to support the Hilo Community Players’ mission of keeping quality, accessible theater alive in East Hawaii. Concessions will be available.

Founded in 1938, the Hilo Community Players are Hawaii’s longest continuously running theater company.