William Shakespeare has been dead for nearly 400 years and still his stories inspire current generations.
“Shakespeare is difficult, and many of his references are obscure to us today,” said Tom Fiscus, a local actor and organizer for the upcoming Shakespeare Festival. “However, many of the story lines, even though set centuries (even millennia) ago, resonate today. Greed, lust, jealousy, love, deceit, power all play just as well today.”
Fiscus is one of the volunteers making this year’s Shakespeare Festival a reality. Sponsored by the Orcas Chamber of Commerce, it will be held April 7 to 11. See page seven for a full schedule of events.
The festivities include local talent expressing interpretations of the Bard’s various works during a community performance night.
There will be two chances during the week to see “Unexpected Shakespeare,” improv by Seattle’s Unexpected Productions, and “Who Doth Inhabit the Primary Position,” directed by Fiscus and performed by Peter Vinson and Kelly Toombs.
“I think the beauty and power of Shakespeare’s words draw many to challenge themselves to find and express the emotions boiling in his characters,” said Fiscus. “It is performing poetry.”
Unlike previous years, a whole cast of organizers have led festival efforts rather than one artistic director.
The willing parties are Michell Marshall, Meg Massey, Julie Remington, Colleen Smith Armstrong, Bill Patterson, Cheryl Kummer, Cat Gilliam, Carla Stanley, Susan Gudgell, Kim Morgan and Lance Evans.
“All have great input,” said Marshall.
One vital part of the festival is to make sure hundreds of local participants are dressed in the fashions of the age.
This is Massey’s second year costuming locals to look the part of the era, and Becky Vinson is making a number of fantastic outfits. Massey has researched the style and look of clothes during the time of the bard.
“I want them to be as authentic as possible,” said Massey, who has been making costumes for years. “I think people feel better when they are dressed authentically. You really get into the spirit.”
Organizers expect locals and tourists to turn out this year after running a campaign to draw people from off-island communities.
“This is about the community coming out and having fun,” said Marshall. “It’s also designed for tourists to come and experience the beauty of Orcas Island.”
When tourists visit the island for festivals like the upcoming one they spend money at lodging and restaurants therefore boosting the economy during the shoulder season.
Another change for this event is that this year marks the first time the festival has been supported by major fundraising efforts of special events throughout the year including cooking classes by master chefs.
To sign up for the remaining two sessions (Christina Orchid on March 21 and Steve Debaste on March 28) visit the Chamber of Commerce office on North Beach Road or The Office Cupboard in the post office building.
“We had to develop events that people would have fun at but still know they are contributing,” said Marshall.
Shakespeare Festival line-up
Tuesday, April 7
Local Shakespeare Night with music and one-acts, 7 p.m. at Random Howse in Eastsound.
Wednesday, April 8
Dinner Theater with two plays: “Unexpected Shakespeare,” improv by Seattle’s Unexpected Productions, and “Who Doth Inhabit the Primary Position,” directed by Tom Fiscus and performed by Peter Vinson and Kelly Toombs, starts at 7 p.m. at Random Howse in Eastsound. Tickets at the Office Cupboard.
Thursday, April 9
Fundraising dinner with magic show by Matthew White, cuisine by Chef Bill Patterson and special guests from the Seattle Shakespeare Company, 6 p.m. at Random Howse. Tickets at the Office Cupboard.
Friday, April 10
Free performance of “Macbeth” by Seattle Shakespeare Company for Orcas Island students, 1 p.m. at Orcas Center.
Dinner Theater with “Unexpected Shakespeare” and another performance of “Who Doth Inhabit the Primary Position,” 7 p.m. at Random Howse in Eastsound. Cast party and dance starts at 10 p.m. at Random Howse.
Saturday, April 11
Shakespeare parade at noon in Eastsound Village. Medieval street fair with entertainment on the Village Green, noon to 3 p.m.
If you would like to be a vendor at the Shakespeare Festival on Saturday, April 11, contact Jennifer Pietsch at orcasislandfarmersmarket@gmail.com or 317-8342.
The Seattle Shakespeare Company will perform “Macbeth” at the Orcas Center, 7:30 p.m.
Tickets available from Orcas Center, and StrangerTickets.com.
