Tickets are on sale now for Cal Shakes The Winter’s Tale in a sparkling new adaptation by Artistic Director Eric Ting and Resident Dramaturge Philippa Kelly. They describe the play as, “A story split between tragedy and comedy, loss and healing, it’s the hope we need.” Performances are scheduled Sept. 1 – 26.
Artistic Director Eric Ting, Resident Dramaturg Philippa Kelly and everyone at Cal Shakes is busy preparing for their full production of The Winter’s Tale. Ting and Kelly have created a new adaptation of Shakespeare’s play, which will run Sept. 1-26 at the renowned Bruns Amphitheater. The cast and creative team will be announced soon.
Only one play is scheduled because of the changing landscape in relation to the pandemic and the movement for racial equality, so important as all theater companies reemerge.
Ting, the tale’s director, said, “… we’re thrilled to welcome audiences back with Shakespeare’s extraordinary passion play. Part tragedy, part comedy, it’s the very capsule of this moment.”
First performed in 1611, this adaptation is a winter’s tale that winds an extraordinary path from rage to redemption and resurrection to reconciliation, all wrapped up in a love letter to lovers of live theater. Visit www.calshakes.org/winters-tale/ for details.
Cal Shakes, in the interim, is sharing its outdoor Orinda stage as a safe performance venue with as much of the creative community as possible. COVID-19 made their outdoor performance space as precious as gold, and that gold is being mined. For more about the Season of Shared Light, visit www.calshakes.org.
Paper Moon Presents was literally born to work with Cal Shakes sharing the Bruns stage. On July 2, Paper Moon Presents legendary blues musician Taj Mahal. Singer Gaby Moreno opens the night, part of the Measure for Measure Concert Series. Doors open at 5 p.m.; the show starts at 7 p.m.
On July 3, Rebirth Brass Band, a New Orleans institution, performs with powerhouse vocalist Destani Wolf. Doors open at 5, show at 6 p.m. Tickets are limited, and all Paper Moon shows require proof of vaccination and masks. Get tickets and all public safety information at www.papermoonpresents.com.
From July 24 to Aug. 8, the West Edge Festival, West Edge Opera, will run three weekends and three operas at the Bruns. One opera is from early music, one from the 20th century and one contemporary. Catch Eliogabalo by Francesco Cavalli; Kataya Kabanova by Czech composer Leoš Janácek; and Elizabeth Cree by Kevin Puts and Mark Campbell. Visit www.westedgeopera.org/festival-2021 for information and tickets.
As part of “Cal Shakes Online” in collaboration with Remote Studios, July 24 and July 31, from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., will mark the first two Bay Area digitally remote, live public readings of renowned playwright Herbert Siguenza’s award-winning play, El Henry.
Siguenza, a co-founder of the performance group Culture Clash, will present this Chicano adaptation of Shakespeare’s Henry IV Part One. The online product will feature Actors Reading Collective members Wilma Bonet, Catherine Castellanos, Jomar Tagatac, Dena Martinez, Herbert Siguenza, Rinabeth Apostle, Rotimi Agbabiaka, Micheal Torres, Brian Rivera, Mozart Pierson and Hugo Carbaja. Visit www.calshakes.org/events/event/el-henry/ for information and tickets.
For audience members not viewing offerings remotely, extensive health and safety information at the Bruns can be found online at www.calshakes.org/cal-shakes-2021-covid-19-safety-precautions/. The Bruns Amphitheater currently functions at one-third capacity, 180 patrons; this may change over time as health regulations change.
Traditionally, most people dress warmly and arrive at the Bruns Amphitheater at 5 p.m. for a 7 p.m. performance to enjoy a picnic on the many outdoor tables and chairs; only food and drink from onsite vendors is permitted.
The Bruns Amphitheater is located at 100 Shakespeare Way in Orinda. There is ample parking, and ADA assistance is available for the short walk up to the Bruns. Their website is chock full of information for theater lovers of all ages. Because they are working remotely, visit www.calshakes.org/ or email them at info@calshakes.org. Enjoy this local jewel nestled in the hills. just a stone’s throw from downtown Orinda.
