22 • Summer Previews 2021
Saturday, June 19, 2021
SHAKESPEARE & COMPANY
All the world’s a stage, but especially outdoors this summer Shakespeare & Company will begin its 2021 season by mounting a “towering play” — “King Lear” starring Christopher Lloyd — in its newly built outdoor New Spruce Theatre. The new theater, “brings us back to our roots,” said Artistic Director Allyn Burrows in a Berkshire Eagle interview. “It’s given us a chance to tear down one of the old buildings on our campus and it gets us outside.” Shakespeare & Company 70 Kemble St., Lenox 413-637-3353, shakespeare.org July 2 - Aug. 28: “King Lear” Directed by Nicole Ricciardi; Featuring Christopher Lloyd. The once-powerful King Lear chooses to divide his kingdom among his three daughters, and so begins one of Shakespeare’s most moving tragedies. At the crucial point of relinquishing his realm, Lear demands to know which of his daughters loves him the most. His ambitious older daughters answer with false praise and lavish flattery, however his youngest daughter, who does truly love him, answers with honesty. Wildly unsatisfied with her response, Lear’s rage sets in motion catastrophic consequences. The New Spruce Theatre. July 16 - July 25: “BECOMING OTHELLO: A Black Girl’s Journey” Written and performed by Debra Ann Byrd; Directed by Tina Packer. Described as a living memoir, “BECOMING OTHELLO: A Black Girl’s Journey,” is a multimedia theatrical production with lyrical language, soulful songs and the music that shaped
the life of a resilient little girl growing up in Spanish Harlem. This choreopoem chronicles the life of classical actress Debra Ann Byrd. The Roman Garden Theatre. Fridays, July 16, 30, and Aug. 13: “Riotous Youth.” Over a two–week period, explore the language, stories, characters, and ideas in Shakespeare’s plays in imaginative and playful ways, culminating with a performance for family and friends. Visit shakespeare.org/education/ riotous–youth to learn more. Wooden O Theatre. Free. July 30 - Aug. 22: “Art” By Yasmina Reza; Translated by Christopher Hampton; Directed by Christopher V. Edwards. What is the value of friendship, of art, of money? How much would you pay for a white painting? One of Marc’s best friends, Serge, has just bought a very expensive painting. It’s white. To Marc, the painting is a joke, but Serge insists Marc doesn’t have the proper standard to judge the work. Another friend, Ivan, though burdened by his own problems, allows himself to be pulled into this disagreement. In spite of himself, Ivan tells Serge he likes the painting. These old friends square off over the canvas, using it as an excuse to relentlessly batter one another over various failures. Friendship
is tested, and the aftermath of action, and its reaction, affirms the power of those bonds.
and character work.
The Roman Garden Theatre.
Sept. 1 to Sept. 5: “Measure For Measure” (a workshop production)
Friday, Aug. 20: “Riotous Youth: Monsters, Magic & Mischief.” A fast–paced one week exploration of Shakespeare’s most magical, mischievous and misunderstood characters, using text from “The Tempest,” “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” and “Macbeth.” Wooden O Theatre. Free. Friday, Aug. 20: “Riotous Company.” This three-week advanced program offers young actors more in-depth training in text, voice, movement, stage, fight,
Wooden O Theatre. Free.
Directed by Alice Reagan. When Angelo is abruptly appointed to rule over a chaotic and debauched city, he restores order with repressive laws and an iron fist over licentiousness. The object of his own twisted desire is a young nun, whom he puts in an unthinkable position. “To whom should I complain?” is all that young Isabella can utter when she finds herself the target of his abuse of power. Justice can never come soon enough. The Roman Garden Theatre.
PHOTO PROVIDED BY EMMA ROTHENBERG-WARE
Shakespeare & Company will present “King Lear,” featuring Christopher Lloyd, Friday, July 2, to Saturday, Aug. 28.
