Last Chance to Enjoy Santa Cruz Shakespeare for the 2021 Season
Whether you are a visitor or a longtime resident, attending an outdoor performance is one of the best ways to enjoy a unique Santa Cruz experience.
Outdoor performances by Santa Cruz Shakespeare (SCS) have been a staple within the community for 40 years — staging bold productions of the plays of Shakespeare and other great playwrights to stimulate audiences senses and spark their imagination.
SCS has returned to live performances this summer after 15 months of uncertainty and canceled events. It has picked up where it left off: featuring professional actors from across the country while staying connected to its deep local roots.
We re thrilled to be back,” said managing director Larry Mabrey. We ve used the time since last summer s canceled season to reflect and plan some of the most modern and culturally relevant productions for these times. This summer s shows will bring the community together in our stunning and intimate setting to reflect on the parallels of recent societal events and encourage deeper conversations for all ages.”
The 2021 performances have returned to Audrey Stanley Grove at DeLaveaga Park. The season runs through August 29, 2021, featuring two plays — “RII” by Jessica Kubzansky and “The Agitators” by Mat Smart.
The plays we chose for our 2021 season are about incredible moments in history that allow us to see ourselves, our lives, and our world reflected back at us,” said Mike Ryan, artistic director of Santa Cruz Shakespeare.
Santa Cruz Shakespeare’s 2021 Season
Whether it’s the thrilling politics of ‘RII’ by Jessica Kubzansky or the social justice battlefield presented by Mat Smart and his play ‘The Agitators’, there s something in this season for everyone. We cannot wait to welcome our audience back to The Grove.”
“RII” is Jessica Kubzansky s adaptation of Shakespeare s “Richard II”, a story that set England s Wars of the Roses in motion. The play tells the story of the king s ill-fated reign — using just three actors.
The story puts forth the question: What is our responsibility when a bad leader rightfully occupies the throne?
This exploration of divine right, capricious leadership, and bloody insurrection is packed with contemporary political relevance. Charles McNulty, critic for the L.A. Times, called the play a feat of ingenious stagecraft” when it premiered at the Boston Court Theatre in Los Angeles.
“What s exciting for me about the adaptation is that it is basically actors and text, it strips away anything that isn t essential, so I hope we walk away thinking more deeply about the complex humanity of all the people,” said Kubzansky.
Meanwhile, “The Agitators” tells the story of Frederick Douglass and Susan B. Anthony. Over the 45 volatile years that they knew one another, they were friends, allies, and adversaries. Their hopes and dreams for equality brought them to common ground and political battlefields.
As agitators, they were not content to let either our nation or each other rest in complacency. The play follows their respective fights for racial justice and gender equity that continue to this day.
“I hope audiences take away the same thing I found to be so profound about their friendship — that they could vehemently disagree with one another, but never stopped listening or respecting each other. I think Americans have forgotten how to disagree without demonizing one another. Speak your mind, battle, but then step out of the arena and recognize each other’s humanity. Susan B. Anthony and Frederick Douglass show us a different way to fight,” said Smart.
Nestled in a stunning eucalyptus grove, the Audrey Stanley Grove in DeLaveaga Park offers the perfect setting for an unforgettable evening.
SCS has created a revised limited-capacity seating layout to ensure the comfort and safety of all patrons. Refreshments, including wine, will be available for purchase. For patrons who wish to experience the excitement and energy of the 2021 shows from the comfort of home, a streaming option is offered this season.
“Santa Cruz Shakespeare s passion and commitment to safety, especially in the pandemic times, gives their audience and artists a powerful theater experience that is truly a gift, one that feels precious and rare right now, and I am truly grateful,” said Kubzansky.
Learn more about SCS, the two plays for the 2021 season, and get your ticket(s) for in-person performances or the stream-at-home option, by checking out santacruzshakespeare.org.