Shakespeare & Company 2023 Season Brochure

WELCOME TO SHAKESPEARE & COMPANY

Dear Friends,

Well, that was a year! We’ve endured the lingering effects of a pandemic to persist in relating stories of resilience. In honor of those who helped us persevere, we reflect and carry on. Frontline workers and educators deserve particular appreciation for bringing our loved ones through this ongoing challenge. Through such intrepid and selfless folks, we can recognize how life is worth living. They inspire us. And you inspire us, to shine a light on human triumphs.

Our 46th Season theme, Thieves of Love, is a universal contemplation on that which can be taken from us – but, more importantly, what can be regained. In these trying times, we’ve regained an enduring sense of community.

The plays we’re presenting this year are full of humor, impact, joy, and connection, from the wistfully comedic Ken Ludwig’s Dear Jack, Dear Louise to the deeply resonant Lunar Eclipse by Donald Margulies – a World Premiere.

In between, we’ll have you buckle up for a raucous ride including Shakespeare’s The Contention: Henry VI, Part II , and the powerful August Wilson’s Fences , both of which bring searing poetry by towering writers to our stages for the first time.

Introducing new work is as important to us as reviving work that reminds us of the pointed cyclical nature of history, and in that vein we’ll present a neo-nostalgic take on A Midsummer Night’s Dream outdoors at The New Spruce Theatre, return to Golda’s Balcony, which had its World Premiere here in 2002, and a staged reading of Shakespeare’s timeless tragedy, Hamlet

All of these plays, rich in language and illuminating insights, are simple ways in which we offer our hands to you, and ask you to lend an ear. We may have a lot to say, but mostly, we want to see you and hear from you. Come on back. We’ll be right here.

Allyn Burrows Artistic Director

OUTDOORTHEATER

Directed by Ariel Bock with David Gow and Zoya Martin

MAY 26 –

JULY 30

Opening May 28

Outdoors at The Roman Garden Theatre

Shakespeare & Company presents the Tony Awardwinning playwright Ken Ludwig’s Dear Jack, Dear Louise – the story of two strangers introduced by letters, kept apart by war, and drawn together through shared stories of their lives, hopes, and fears.

Inspired by the World War II courtship of Ludwig’s parents, Dear Jack, Dear Louise offers a comedic and touching look at life in 1942, complete with nods to music, theater, and literature as it thoughtfully examines two different views of one, world-shifting era.

This production has been generously sponsored by the Friedman family, in honor of Roberta Friedman.

by William Shakespeare

Directed by Tina

Packer

Associate Directors Kate Kohler Amory and Sheila Bandyopadhyay

with David Bertoldi, Allyn Burrows, Jonathan Epstein, Nigel Gore, Tamara Hickey, L. James, Bella Merlin, Jacob Ming-Trent, and Kenneth Ransom

JUNE 17 – JULY 15

Opening June 24

Tina Packer Playhouse

Considered to be the inspiration for Game of Thrones, Henry VI, Part II is commonly regarded as the strongest of the Henry VI trilogy, telling the story of the power struggles between the two ancient families of Lancaster and York who wrestled for the fate of England.

Now, four centuries on and in tandem with the current King Charles III’s coronation, Shakespeare & Company presents The Contention: an exploration of themes that remain timeless, including strategic marriages, political treachery, religious unrest, and a measure of comic sport.

This production has been generously sponsored by Gary and Jeanie Knisely.

Directed by Christopher V. Edwards

Featuring Ella Joyce with Brian D. Coats, L. James, JāQuan Malik Jones, Ashley McCauley Moore, “ranney”, and Kenneth Ransom

JULY 22 – AUGUST 27

Opening July 27

Tina Packer Playhouse

A moving study of emotional depth and the human condition, August Wilson’s Fences follows the story of Troy Maxson – a working-class Black man struggling to provide for his family. His past includes the low of a prison sentence and the high of a promising career with the Negro Baseball League, but it’s Troy’s unrealized dream to play for Major League Baseball that fills his days with resentment and regret.

August Wilson’s Fences is a Pulitzer Prize winner for Drama, Tony Award winner for Best Play, and part of the playwright’s acclaimed American Century Cycle –a series of 10 plays that charts the African American experience throughout the 20th century.

This production has been generously sponsored by Natalie and Howard Shawn.

OUTDOORTHEATER

by William Shakespeare

Directed by Allyn Burrows

with Elizabeth Aspenlieder, Sheila Bandyopadhyay, David Bertoldi, Nigel Gore, and Jacob Ming-Trent

AUGUST 1 –

SEPTEMBER 10

Opening August 4

Outdoors at The New Spruce Theatre

Athenians mix it up with the forest fairies in this raucous romp that features magical meddling, romantic tangles, and a play within a play for good measure.

One of the Bard’s most beloved comedies, the carnivalesque chaos of A Midsummer Night’s Dream takes flight on The New Spruce Theatre’s treeflanked stage this August, with a modern twist on the merry mayhem.

This production has been generously sponsored by Scott and Roxanne Bok.

by William Gibson

Directed by Daniel Gidron

Featuring Annette Miller

AUGUST 5 – 20

Opening August 6

Elayne P. Bernstein Theatre

The World Premiere of Golda’s Balcony, featuring the Elliot Norton Award-winning Annette Miller, was produced at Shakespeare & Company in May 2002, and went on to become the longest-running onewoman play in Broadway history. The inspiring story of Golda Meir – Russian immigrant, American school teacher, and fourth Prime Minister of Israel – returns to the Berkshires this year in a searingly topical production, staged at the Elayne P. Bernstein Theatre for a limited run of eight performances. This production has been generously sponsored by Jerry and Honie Berko.

Annette Miller, Golda’s Balcony , 2002.

Photo by Kevin Sprague.

HamleT

by William Shakespeare

Directed by Kevin G. Coleman

Featuring Christopher Lloyd and Finn Wittrock with Caroline Calkins, Ptah Garvin, Nigel Gore, David Gow, Dana Harrison, L. James, and Zoya Martin

SEPTEMBER 1 – 3

Tina Packer Playhouse

Murder both intentional and accidental, as well as madness both piteous and pretended, will haunt the stage as Shakespeare & Company presents a three-performance reading of William Shakespeare’s most memorable tragedy, Hamlet , at the Tina Packer Playhouse.

This limited run will be directed by Shakespeare & Company Founding Member Kevin G. Coleman, a two-time Tony Award nominee for Excellence in Theatre Education.

This production has been generously sponsored by Jenifer and Mark Salzberg.

WORLDPREMIERE

by Donald Margulies

Directed by James Warwick

with Karen Allen and Reed Birney

SEPTEMBER 15 – OCTOBER 22

Opening September 17

Elayne

P. Bernstein Theatre

On a summer night, in the middle of a field on their Midwest farm, a long-married couple sits on folding chairs to observe the seven stages of a lunar eclipse. While watching the celestial phenomenon unfold, the two sip bourbon and reflect on land and legacy, on children and dogs, and the accelerating passage of time.

Lunar Eclipse is a new work by Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Donald Margulies (Dinner with Friends, Time Stands Still, Collected Stories), making its World Premiere at Shakespeare & Company.

This production has been generously sponsored by Deb and Bill Ryan.

PLAYS

in Process

A Celebration of Developing Works

SUNDAY, JULY 16

Elayne P. Bernstein Theatre

Returning for its second year, Plays in Process offers a glimpse into the inner-workings of play creation, in the early stages when possibilities are endless. Performances will be accompanied by lively talkbacks with the playwrights and performers.

This production has been generously co-sponsored by Steve Bader & Cathy Monoxelos and Greg Lipper & Kate Kohler Amory.

We are the Co-op Team

Berkshire Food Co-op is a community-owned grocery store created by and for families in the Berkshires to bring real food to our friends and neighbors

Everything we sell is thoughtfully chosen so you can rest assured it’s good for you and for our community.

www.berkshire.coop

VOLUNTEER WITH US!

Shakespeare & Company Volunteers are truly the stars of the show – as well as of the gardens, the Gift Shop, guest services, and beyond.

The Volunteer Company supports Shakespeare & Company year-round, and touches thousands of lives from audiences to youth groups to actors-in-training. Plus, Volunteer Company members enjoy several benefits in thanks for their service, including free ticket vouchers to performances and special programs at Shakespeare & Company.

To get involved, e-mail volunteers@shakespeare.org

“THY FRIENDSHIP MAKES US FRESH!” –

Henry VI, Part I

Patrons, performers, parents, and friends: since 1978, you’ve supported Shakespeare & Company in its mission to offer world-class productions, life-changing Education programs, and inspiring Training opportunities.

In thanks, we are pleased to offer a variety of benefits designed to bring those who contribute to our future even closer to the work of today, including invitations to special events, early-access to Season tickets, complimentary behind-the-scenes tours, and more.

To make a contribution, please visit shakespeare.org/ donate, or mail a check to:

Shakespeare & Company Attn. Development 70 Kemble Street Lenox, MA 01240

For more information on making a gift, including stock or estate planning, e-mail development@shakespeare.org or call (413) 637-1199 ext. 105.

EDUCATION PROGRAMS

One of the most extensive arts-in-education programs in the Northeast, Shakespeare & Company Education offers imaginative, innovative, and personally meaningful programming for participants ages seven and up. The 46th Season offers many opportunities to see our youngest Company Artists in action, including through Young Company; Riotous Youth Summer theater programs; the 35th Fall Festival of Shakespeare; School Residencies; the Northeast Regional Tour of Shakespeare, and Professional Development Workshops for Teachers. Visit shakespeare.org for more information, or e-mail education@shakespeare.org

SUMMER & FALL EDUCATION PERFORMANCES

Visit shakespeare.org for more information

Spring Young Company Final Performances

Friday, May 5 and Saturday, May 6, 6 pm

Riotous Youth: Scenes from A Midsummer Night’s Dream

Friday, July 14

10 am (ages 7-9); 11 am (ages 10-12); 12 pm (ages 13-15)

Riotous Youth: Scenes from Hamlet

Friday, July 28

10 am (ages 7-9); 11 am (ages 10-12); 12 pm (ages 13-15)

Riotous Youth: Scenes from As You Like It

Friday, August 11 10 am (ages 7-9); 11 am (ages 10-12); 12 pm (ages 13-15)

Riotous Youth: Scenes from The Game’s Afoot!

Friday, August 18, 11 am (ages 7-12)

Riotous Company Final Performances

Friday, August 18, 12 pm (ages 14-17)

The 35th Fall Festival of Shakespeare

Thursday, November 16 through Sunday, November 19

THE CENTER FOR ACTOR TRAINING

The aesthetic of Shakespeare & Company was created within its Center for Actor Training, devised by Founding Artistic Director Tina Packer, and continuously honed by a cadre of expert teachers.

This year, the Center for Actor Training is offering a full suite of programming for artists at various stages in their careers. To learn more, visit shakespeare.org, or e-mail training@shakespeare.org.

SUMMER & FALL ACTOR TRAINING WORKSHOPS & INTENSIVES

Summer Shakespeare Intensive

May 30 –

June 25

An immersive, four-week program designed for college students and early-career professionals.

Nine-day Intensive

August 24 – September 3

Designed for mid-career professionals and acting teachers who want to reinvigorate their skills.

NEW: The Art of the Audition

October 7 and 8

Sharpen your Shakespeare audition material with Shakespeare & Company Artistic Director Allyn Burrows!

NEW: Butoh for Shakespeare: All the World’s a Playground

November 4 and 5

A workshop in the Japanese dance and movement form with award-winning Butoh artist and instructor, Yokko.

Shakespeare & Company Weekend Intensives

Visit shakespeare.org to view upcoming dates and locations

Held across the country, the classic Shakespeare Weekend Intensive is open to all who seek to deepen their connection with Shakespeare in a digestible but rigorous format.

TALKS & TOURS

BEHIND THE CURTAIN

Led by Shakespearean scholar Ann Berman, Behind the Curtain talks are free to the public and feature directors, cast members, and design-team members as guests. They’re held outdoors on Saturdays at 10:30 am at the tented Rose Footprint Theatre, and explore various themes presented during our 2023 Season. For more information and dates, visit shakespeare.org.

MERRY WANDERERS’ GUIDED TOURS

Shakespeare & Company’s General Manager Steve Ball and his canine companion, Willie, lead weekly walking tours on Thursday mornings at 10:30 am in July and August. These two-hour experiences give a first-hand look into what it takes to make theater happen, from the page to the stage.

Merry Wanderers’ Guided Tours are held July 6 through August 31. Tickets are $15, or $8 for students. For more information, visit shakespeare.org

Great Barrington, Massachusetts | simons-rock.edu

GET TICKETS

Order Online: SHAKESPEARE.ORG Call the Box Office: 413.637.3353

(Box Office hours are listed at shakespeare.org)

TICKET PRICING

Preview performances are $10 less than adult published prices. A $4 service charge is added per ticket to online and telephone orders.

prices include a $2 maintenance fee per ticket on all orders.

For more information about Ways to Save at Shakespeare & Company, visit shakespeare.org/ways-to-save.

SEATING CHARTS

ELAYNE P. BERNSTEIN THEATRE (indoors)

Golda’s Balcony, Lunar Eclipse, Plays in Process

All Shakespeare & Company theaters provide free, paved, and well-lit parking adjacent to the Box Office, and are wheelchair accessible. Assistive listening devices are available upon request from the House Manager. All of our indoor theaters are climate controlled. For more information about theater amenities, visit shakespeare.org/our-theaters.

SEATING CHARTS

THE NEW SPRUCE THEATRE (outdoors)

A Midsummer Night’s Dream

THE ROMAN GARDEN THEATRE (outdoors)

Ken Ludwig’s Dear Jack, Dear Louise

SEATING CHARTS

TINA PACKER PLAYHOUSE (indoors)

The Contention (Henry VI, Part II), August Wilson’s Fences, Hamlet

(P) = Preview | (O) = Opening | (C) = Closing | (M) = Mask-required Performance

Jack / Louise = Dear Jack, Dear Louise Henry VI = The Contention (Henry VI, Part II)

PIP = Plays in Process

Midsummer = A Midsummer Night’s Dream

Hamlet = Hamlet: A Staged Reading

Wanderers’ = Merry Wanderers’ Guided Tours

RY = Riotous Youth

Fences = August Wilson’s Fences

Golda = Golda’s Balcony

Eclipse = Lunar Eclipse

Talk = Behind the Curtain Free Talks

* Programs, artists and talks are subject to change.