JACKSON HOLE, WYO – Off Square Theatre Company will celebrate the 6th Anniversary of Thin Air Shakespeare with a presentation of Macbeth, and funding from a Challenge America Grant from the National Endowment for the Arts.
The production is July 6-8 and July 13-15 in the Amphitheater at the Center for the Arts. Off Square Theatre is also conducting a Shakespeare Conservatory for youth led by guest artists in July.
Thin Air Shakespeare blends the best in professional theatre with the community’s love of the outdoors, creating an accessible, family-friendly experience of theatre. Shakespeare’s most feared and popular tragedy, Macbeth spins a tale of magic, destiny, betrayal, and ambition as we watch the timeless push and pull of one of the most powerful couples in literary history.
The lawn will open for picnicking and pre-show entertainment at 6:30pm each night, with the show beginning at 7:30pm. Audiences are encouraged to bring their own blanket and picnic.
Additionally, for the first time, dual American Sign Language interpreters will be on hand during the July 7 performance.
“It is energizing to see the impact that the arts are making throughout the United States. These NEA-supported projects, such as this one by Off Square Theatre Company, are good examples of how the arts build stronger and more vibrant communities, improve well-being, prepare our children to succeed, and increase the quality of our lives,” said NEA Chairman Jane Chu. “At the National Endowment for the Arts, we believe that all people should have access to the joy, opportunities and connections the arts bring.”
Prior to opening night, the public is invited to join Off Square for ScripTease on July 1 at 5pm in the Conference Room at the Center for the Arts. Dr. Karin Waidley will lead a discussion on Jo Nesbo’s new book, Macbeth, published by Hogarth Shakespeare Press.
Cast
Local performers include Jamie Reilly, Kelsey Johnson, Craig Kirkpatrick, Maddie Haws, Mila Berry, Jason Ruff, Taylor Thomson, and Dillon Hanna.
Guest artists include Luis Kelly-Duarte in the role of Macbeth, Christina Okolo as Lady Macbeth, stuntman and fight choreographer Trampas Thompson in the role of Banquo (bio below), Marguerite French, Tommy Waddell, and returning guests, Pat Towne, Kendall Johnson, and Scott Willis.
Also returning for another season are LA director Edgar Landa and LA-based set designer Maureen Weiss.
Thin Air Shakespeare is supported by the Center for the Arts, the Center of Wonder, the National Endowment for the Arts, and generous private support. Off Square Theatre Company is supported in part by a grant from the Wyoming Arts Council, through funding from the Wyoming State Legislature and the National Endowment for the Arts.
6th Anniversary Events:
- July 1 / 5pm Hogarth Shakespeare Jo Nesbo’s Macbeth – Book Club Discussion
- July 6-8 / 7:30pm – Macbeth in performance (July 7th performance will have ASL interpreters)
- July 13-15 / 7:30pm – Macbeth in performance
- Macbeth Pre-Show events begin at 6:30 before the performance
- July 6 & 7 – Molly Moon Thorn and Friends perform
- July 8 – Jackson Hole Writers Poetry Readings
- July 13 – Shakespeare Conservatory youth performance
- July 14 & 15 – Pipes and Highland Dancers of Teton & District Performing Arts, sponsored by the Wyoming Highlanders and the Alpenhof Lodge
