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Event
Season Subscriber 2017-18
Following the most well attended season in the companys history, AASC will expand back to 4 productions this season, beginning with A Midsummer Nights Dream (fittingly for San Francisco, coming in mid-September when the citys weather is at its warmest and most benevolent) at Taube Atrium; their holiday classic, Cinderella at the Herbst; A Streetcar Named Desire at Marines Memorial; Richard III at Taube Atrium in July.
A Midsummer Nights Dream: September 16- October 1;
Cinderella: December 22-24;
A Streetcar Named Desire: March 4-18
Richard the III: July 14-29
The African-American Shakespeare Company is proud to announce its 23rd season of producing theater in San Francisco. The theme of the season is officially being called Reality/SHOW, with each play presenting a variation on the question, What is real and what isnt?
One of the things I love most about the theater, says Artistic Director L. Peter Callender, is how adept in can be in pursuing notions of what is real and what is just show, and often, the interdependence of the two. From the magic, mayhem, and confusion in Midsummers forest and Cinderellas dream of beauty and splendor and romance, to Blanche DuBois mystifying tales of love lost and family disappointments and Richards, bending of the two elements in pursuit of his own, ultimately tragic gain, this is a season that in an essential way, reflects the time we are in. What is reality? What is show?
A Midsummer Nights Dream
September 16 October 1st
Taube Atrium (401 Van Ness Avenue)
Director: Sherri Young
This ambitious production, complete with lovers, Amazon women and mystical fairies takes one of Shakespeares most beloved plays and sets it in the twin island nation of Trinidad & Tabago during Carnivale A Midsummer Night's Dream has always been my personal Shakespeare favorite, says Sherri Young, Executive Director of the company who is directing the production. This will be a culturally vibrant production that incorporates elements that soar with the richness of Shakespeare's language while entwining it with the cultural rhythms of the West Indies.
This production is also a personal homage by Young to Artistic Director L. Peter Callender. Many people think of Mr. Callender as this stern and intense Shakespearean actor. What many people don't see is the man behind the image: funny, lively, vibrant, full of energy, and extremely creative. Almost each character in the production is an extension of Peter's personality, especially Bottom. This Midsummer Night's Dream is my gift to Mr. Callender who has made magic for our company for all these years.
Cinderella
December 22nd 24th
Herbst Theatre (401 Van Ness Avenue)
Director: Sherri Young
All the laughter and impish joy of 2017s first ever Herbst production of the companys long-running tradition returns this holiday season. Since initially delighting audiences 23 years ago, new additions and flourishes have been added over the years to the story about a lowly scullery maid, who while thanklessly toiling away, gets the opportunity to pursue her dreams. In this case, abetted by an extremely sassy and opinionated fairy godmother along with a pair of particularly life-changing shoes.
A Streetcar Named Desire
March 4th March 18th
Marines Memorial Theatre (609 Sutter Street)
Director: L. Peter Callender
A struggle for power is at the heart of this dynamic Pultizer Prize winning and critically acclaimed play by Tennessee Williams. A Streetcar Named Desire reveals the depth of a volatile relationship between Stanley and Stella Kowalski. Gas is poured on the flame of that relationship when Stella's sister, Blanche du Bois, arrives on their doorstep, fleeing from reality caused by her romantic illusions.
The questions asked in 1947 when Streetcar premiered on Broadway may be asked today, says Callender, but in different ways. Though we are a different people in a different world, we are still intrigued, inspired and incensed by what goes on in the world. I want audiences to come to the theater but ask that they leave their preconceived notions at the door. All so that they may encounter Stella and Stanley, Blanche and Mitch, and Steve and Eunice as new friends worth getting to know, in this iconic play filled with truly unforgettable characters.
Richard III
July 14th July 29th
Taube Atrium (401 Van Ness Avenue)
Director: Kirsten Brandt
Staring AASC Artistic Director L. Peter Callender as the unapologetic king you love to hate, this exploration in masterful manipulation is one of Shakespeares most profound commentaries on power, family, and the right to rule.
Richard III explores the Machiavellian rise of power of one of Shakespeares most fascinating and complex anti-heroes. In this story King Edward sits on the throne ending the decades-long War of the Roses, but his youngest brother Richard has his eyes on the crown. Fueled by an entitled lust for power and villainous panache, Richards path to glory is marked by seduction, murder, and betrayal. His darkly comedic ambition is no match for friends, family or enemies as he careens his way to the top.
If a story about masterful manipulation, pursuit of power, family, and the right to rule sounds eerily familiar and topical, you would be correct, says L. Peter Callender. From Shakespeare to The Sopranos, its a subject that is always looking for ways to be resurrected, reframed, and retold.
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LocationAfrican-American Shakespeare (View)
762 Fulton Street, Suite 305
San Francisco, CA 94102
United States
Categories
| Minimum Age: 10 |
| Kid Friendly: No |
| Dog Friendly: No |
| Non-Smoking: Yes! |
| Wheelchair Accessible: Yes! |
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