Season 2024: Souls' Light

Souls’ �ight

LENOX, MASS.

Left to

Right: Sara Linares, Naire Poole and David Gow.

Photo by Gregory Cherin.

Dear FrienDs,

When the world seems to convulse on every level with tumult and strife, we come to ask ourselves here at Shakespeare & Company what we can do to provide reflection, collective introspection, and a balm for the soul.

At the time of this writing, the moon eclipses the sun, and technology as a channel of human communication has come to overshadow the cultural value of live theater in the world. Not a week goes by that we don’t hear of another theater closing permanently.

And yet, it is through theater that we’ve learned that we listen with our whole bodies, feel with our hearts, and see with our souls. Our stories present people seeking understanding, compassion, and truth – striving for human connection, be it found on an isolated island, inside a cluttered home, or the streets of Ephesus.

We refuse to forget that the live-theater experience is a communal one. There’s a singularly unique energy exchange that happens between the audience and the performers that reminds us all to live in the present, physically, mentally, and spiritually.

Season 2024 offers myriad ways to gather and collectively experience work that spreads across the broad landscape of the human condition. We open with a sharply comic thriller in Lee Blessing’s A Body of Water. Our Shakespeare productions, The Comedy of Errors and an enhanced reading of The Winter’s Tale, each take the outdoor Arthur S. Waldstein Amphitheatre stage this summer, and Shake it Up: A Shakespeare Cabaret presents a fanciful mash-up of music and words shaped and influenced by the Bard.

Two of our titles – The Islanders by Carey Crim and Three Tall Persian Women by Awni Abdi-Bahri – will celebrate their World Premieres, having first tested the waters as readings in our Plays in Process series. Another, Flight of the Monarch by Jim Frangione, stages its regional premiere and is presented in association with our friends at Great Barrington Public Theater.

Could technology eclipse that desire to gather? ‘Nonsense,’ you might say. ‘In-person theater, storytelling, and the live sharing of space and energy will persist and exist forever.’

Are you sure? Let’s ponder its true value. We believe it’s irreplaceable. We trust that you do, too. By showing up and participating in this particular reinforcement of the human spirit, you are affirming that you believe that live theater is an art form worth celebrating.

Thank you for that simple and powerful gesture. We appreciate you shining your soul’s light on us!

Allyn Burrows Artistic Director

by Lee Blessing

Directed by James Warwick

with Caroline Calkins, Bella Merlin, and Kevin O’Rourke

JUNE 21 – JULY 21

Opening Sunday, June 23

Outdoors at the Roman Garden Theatre

Moss and Avis, a sophisticated and successful couple, wake up one morning in an isolated summer house high above a picturesque body of water. The weather’s fine; the view’s magnificent. There’s only one problem: neither of them can remember who they are. When a young woman named Wren arrives, information starts to flood in. But will it help? Her explanations seem only to make Moss and Avis’ world — as well as ours — more terrifying.

This production is generously sponsored by Natalie and Howard Shawn.

SHAKE IT UP: A Shakespeare Cabaret

Directed by Allyn Burrows with Jennifer Apple, Johnny Irion, Jennie M. Jadow, Jim Chetz Keegan, Benny Fingers Kohn, Connor Meehan, and Jacob Ming-Trent

JULY 2 – 7

In the Tina Packer Playhouse

A spirited celebration of Shakespeare-influenced music, text, and storytelling for folks new to or steeped in Shakespeare, this limited run takes the stage at the peak of the Berkshires’ summer season. A devised production with some of Berkshire County’s best-known musicians and Shakespeare actors, this musical event makes for a unique gambol through the foibles of love. If music be the food of love, rock on!

This production is generously sponsored by Steve and Cathy Bader.

the

OUTDOORTHEATER

by William Shakespeare

Directed by Kate Kohler Amory

with Javier David, David Gow, Rory Hammond, L. James, Madeleine Rose Maggio, Zoya Martin, Naire Poole, Evan Stevens, Dennis Trainor, and Sharmarke Yusuf

JULY

13 – AUGUST 18

Opening Friday, July 19

Outdoors at the Arthur S. Waldstein Amphitheatre

The Comedy of Errors takes over Shakespeare & Company’s outdoor mainstage this summer! The Bard’s fast-paced and farcical story of mistaken identities begins with two sets of twins separated by a storm at sea, and culminates in a raucous series of misunderstandings and mishaps.

This colorful, fun, and zany production is set in the seaside Vaudeville of New York City, 1912 – a mystical and sometimes strange place filled with as much magic and mischief as sailors and sea captains.

This production is generously sponsored by Scott and Roxanne Bok.

The Islanders

by Carey Crim

Directed by Regge Life

with Michelle Mountain and “ranney”

JULY

25 – AUGUST 25

Opening Sunday, July 28

In the Tina Packer Playhouse

Anna lives an insular life on an underpopulated island in the Great Lakes. She has few friends and likes it that way. Her quiet, controlled world is turned upside down by the arrival of a charming but secretive new neighbor, Dutch. For different reasons, Dutch and Anna have each retreated from mainstream society. Can their connection survive the revelations that must inevitably come with true intimacy?

This production is generously sponsored by Greg Lipper and Kate Kohler Amory.

Flight of the Monarch

by Jim Frangione

Directed by Judy

Braha

with Allyn Burrows and Corinna May

AUGUST 3 – 25

Opening Sunday, August 4

In the Elayne P. Bernstein Theatre

Two siblings, Sheila and Thomas, were both born and raised in a small, New England fishing village where they still live. This darkly comic play explores how siblings’ lives are intertwined, what we owe to the people who know and love us best, and how family members’ needs and desires may push the boundaries of what we can be expected to do for others.

This production is generously supported by Shari and Steve Ashman and The Jacob Burns Foundation, and is in association with Great Barrington Public Theater.

OUTDOORTHEATER

An Enhanced Staged Reading

by William Shakespeare

Directed by Tina Packer

with Elizabeth Aspenlieder, Jonathan Epstein, David Gow, L. James, Zoya Martin, Annette Miller, Susannah Millonzi, and Sharmarke Yusuf

AUGUST 21 – 25

Outdoors at the Arthur S. Waldstein Amphitheatre

The Winter’s Tale is an odyssey through a world where kingdoms collide, betrayal weaves its web, and love battles against all odds. Magic, mystery, and a man-eating bear feature as the story unfolds, examining the consequences of jealousy and the power of forgiveness.

PLAYS

in Process

A Celebration of Developing Works

AUGUST 27 – 29

Outdoors at the tented Rose Footprint Theatre

Experience a play in its early stages, when possibilities are endless! Returning for its third year, Plays in Process offers a glimpse into the inner workings of play creation as new works are readied for the stage, with lively talkbacks with playwrights and performers accompanying every performance.

Two of Season 2024’s titles – The Islanders by Carey Crim and Three Tall Persian Women by Awni AbdiBahri, began as Plays in Process and now make their World Premieres at Shakespeare & Company.

WORLDPREMIERE

Three Tall Persian Women

by Awni Abdi-Bahri

Directed by Dalia Ashurina

with Awni Abdi-Bahri and Pooya Mohseni

AUGUST 30 – OCTOBER 13

Opening Sunday, September 1

In the Elayne P. Bernstein Theatre

Golnar, a punkish Iranian-American millennial, returns home to her mother Nasrin for the anniversary of her father’s passing, and walks into hoards of family memorabilia that her grandmother Mamani has moved in with her. This comedic and touching play is about generational differences, grief, control, and learning to let go; but more than anything, it’s a love story to immigrant mothers.

A Lively, Costumed Reading

Emma

by Kate Hamill

Based on the novel by Jane Austen Directed by Ariel Bock

DECEMBER 13 – 15

In the Elayne P. Bernstein Theatre

Emma Woodhouse prides herself on being a matchmaker with an impeccable track record, much to the chagrin of her dear friend Mr. Knightley. Her latest scheme revolves around the sweet Harriet Smith, whom Emma advises to reject a perfectly good marriage proposal in favor of another eligible bachelor. But her best-laid plans are turned upside down by unpredictable displays of affection, unexpected rivals, and Emma’s sudden realization that true love may have been under her nose all along.

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 the lives of thousands, from audiences to youth groups to professional actors.

Plus, Volunteer Company members enjoy several benefits in thanks for their service, including free ticket vouchers to performances. To get involved, e-mail volunteers@shakespeare.org!

Volunteer Opportunities Include Ushering

Administrative Support

Company Events Support

Community Events Support

Company Hospitality

Flower Arranging

Gardening

Gift Shop Sales & Support

Patron Greeting

Oral History & Archive

Project Support

Campus Tour Support

EDUCATION PROGRAMS

One of the most extensive theater-in-education programs in the Northeast, Shakespeare & Company reaches more than 40,000 students and teachers each year with socially responsive, educationally enriching, and theatricallycompelling performances, workshops, and residencies. The Education Program has an international reputation for its work with elementary through college-aged students, teachers, and teaching artists. These programs include the Northeast Regional Tour of Shakespeare; our Riotous Youth theater program; Professional Development; our flagship Fall Festival of Shakespeare, and more. Check out some of our public performances listed below!

SPRING, SUMMER & FALL EDUCATION PERFORMANCES

SHAKESPEARE & YOUNG COMPANY

I Have Had a Most Rare Vision

Friday, May 3 and Saturday, May 4, 7 pm

RIOTOUS YOUTH

Scenes from Twelfth Night, Friday, July 12 10 am (ages 7-9); 11 am (ages 10-12); 12 pm (ages 13-15)

Scenes from Henry V, Friday, July 26 10 am (ages 7-9); 11 am (ages 10-12); 12 pm (ages 13-15)

Scenes from Love’s Labor’s Lost, Friday, August 9 10 am (ages 7-9); 11 am (ages 10-12); 12 pm (ages 13-15)

Scenes from Julius Caesar, Friday, August 16 11 am (ages 7-12)

Riotous Company Final Performances

Friday, August 16, 12 pm (ages 14-17)

THE 36TH FALL FESTIVAL OF SHAKESPEARE

Thursday, November 21 – Sunday, November 24

Education programming is generously sponsored by

Visit shakespeare.org/education for more information, or scan the QR code!

THE CENTER FOR ACTOR TRAINING

The aesthetic of Shakespeare & Company was created within its Center for Actor Training, originated by Founding Artistic Director Tina Packer in collaboration with Kristin Linklater. The Center has evolved for more than 40 years through the collaboration of specialized teachers in every discipline, and is continuously expanding to meet the needs of both the contemporary and classical actor. The Center for Actor Training offers a wide range of workshops for artists at various stages in their careers, from university students to advanced professionals.

SUMMER & FALL PROGRAMMING

Summer Shakespeare Intensive, May 28 – June 23

An immersive, four-week program of voice, movement, clown, fight, monologue, and scene work designed for college students and emerging professionals. Join us for Culminating Scenes Sunday, June 23, 11 am and 1:30 pm! Free admission.

The Winter’s Tale: Rebalance & Redemption

August 3 – 4

Dive deep into the speeches and story of The Winter’s Tale, a special workshop with Founding Artistic Director, Tina Packer and Designated Linklater Voice teacher Normi Noel.

9-day Intensive, August 22 – 31

Designed for mid-career professionals, theater educators, and directors who want to reinvigorate their skills through integrated voice, movement, and text work.

Weekend Intensives, In Select Cities

Held across the country, our Weekend Intensives are open to anyone seeking to deepen their connection with Shakespeare in a digestible but rigorous format.

To learn more, visit shakespeare.org/ actor-training, or scan the QR code.

2024 Month-long Intensive. Photos by Christina Lane.

TALKS & TOURS

FREE BEHIND THE CURTAIN TALKS

Led by Shakespearean scholar Ann Berman, Behind the Curtain talks feature directors, cast members, and design-team members who explore the various themes of the Season 2024 productions. Behind the Curtain talks are held in the Spring and Summer on select Saturdays at 10:30 am through August.

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, July 11 through August 28

These two-hour experiences give a first-hand look into what it takes to make theater happen, including behind-the-scenes in the costume and prop shops, the armory, and more. Tickets are $15, or $8 for students.

For more information, visit shakespeare.org/talks-tours or scan the QR code!

GATEWAYS

SUPPORT US

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 actor training opportunities.

In thanks, we are pleased to offer a variety of benefits designed to bring our supporters closer to the work, including invitations to special events, early access to season tickets, opportunities to meet the artists, and more.

To contribute online, visit shakespeare.org/donate or scan the QR code.

You may also mail a check to: Shakespeare & Company

Attn. Development 70 Kemble Street Lenox, MA 01240

To make a gift of stock, or to include Shakespeare & Company in your estate planning, please email development@shakespeare.org or call (413) 637-1199 ext. 180.

The Best Movies of 2022... you may not have seen

OUR OUTDOOR THEATERS

ARTHUR S. WALDSTEIN AMPHITHEATRE

The Comedy of Errors, The Winter’s Tale

ROMAN GARDEN THEATRE

A Body of Water

OUR INDOOR THEATERS

TINA PACKER PLAYHOUSE

Shake It Up: A Shakespeare Cabaret, The Islanders

ELAYNE P. BERNSTEIN THEATRE

Flight of the Monarch, Three Tall Persian Women, Emma

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

MAIN FLOOR

BALCONY

2024 CALENDAR

Water = A Body of Water

= Flight of the Monarch Shake It Up = Shake It Up: A Shakespeare Cabaret

Tale = The Winter’s Tale: An

Comedy = The Comedy of Errors Persian Women = Three Tall Persian Women Islanders = The Islanders

TICKET PRICING

Comedy of Errors & The

The Winter’s Tale, A Body of Water, Flight of the Monarch & Three Tall Persian

Opening &

Shake It Up: A Shakespeare Cabaret

Emma: A Lively, Costumed Reading

Merry Wanderers’ Tours

Riotous Youth performances, Behind the Curtain talks, Community Day, & Summer Shakespeare Intensive Final Scenes

A $4.50 service charge is added per ticket to online and telephone orders. Ticket prices include a $2 maintenance fee per ticket on all orders. Card to Culture tickets available for $5. * Programs, artists and talks are subject to change.

For more information about Ways to Save at Shakespeare & Company, visit shakespeare.org/ways-to-save or scan the QR code!

GROUP TOURS 2024

Save 20% or more!

Bring your group of 10 or more to a Shakespeare & Company performance and enjoy exclusive group benefits, including complimentary tickets, discounted ticket pricing, free talks and tours, and more!

For more information, contact Director of Sponsorships, Groups & Special Events Elizabeth Aspenlieder at groups@shakespeare.org, or (413) 637-1199 ext. 110.