Category Archives: Main Stage

Disability, Expectations, and Disruption in The Glass Menagerie

Posted on July 5, 2017 by Alicia Coombes

by Melissa Hillman Tennessee Williams’ The Glass Menagerie is a “memory play,” narrated through the main character’s memories of his mother, Amanda, and disabled sister, Laura. Tom, the main character, is the filter through which we see Laura and her … Continue reading →

Posted in 2017 Season, The Glass Menagerie, Uncategorized | Tagged , | 1 Comment

Ask Philippa: The Glass Menagerie

Posted on June 16, 2017 by Alicia Coombes

“I wasn’t prepared for what the future brought me,” says Tennesee Williams’ Amanda Wingfield. Looking back to genteel Southern roots that haven’t yielded the kind of life she imagined for herself, Amanda tries to shape success for her children, Tom and … Continue reading →

Posted in 2017 Season, Ask Philippa, The Glass Menagerie | 23 Comments

Lisa Portes on displacement, belonging, and the American Dream

Posted on May 23, 2017 by Alicia Coombes

Acclaimed Chicago director Lisa Portes visited Cal Shakes this spring for auditions and meetings in anticipation for her upcoming production of The Glass Menagerie. She sat down with Alicia Coombes, Publications Manager, to discuss her preliminary ideas and thoughts—what follows is … Continue reading →

Posted in 2017 Season, Main Stage, The Glass Menagerie | 2 Comments

Arden: coming home through where we’ve never been before

Posted on May 22, 2017 by Alicia Coombes

by Philippa Kelly, Resident Dramaturg Decades ago my husband bought some land with a bunch of fellow-hippies in Mendocino, and we often go up there. When you wake in the night, the sky is coal-black, studded with stars. You might … Continue reading →

Posted in 2017 Season, As You Like It, By Philippa Kelly (dramaturg), Main Stage | 2 Comments

Ask Philippa: As You Like It

Posted on May 18, 2017 by Alicia Coombes

As You Like It is in some ways Shakespeare’s most ambitious play. It follows a group of exiles—some banished, some running away—all of whom leave home to journey to the forest of Arden, finding en route a new home of sorts. … Continue reading →

Posted in 2017 Season, As You Like It, Ask Philippa | 11 Comments

A Sunny Day in Ashland

Posted on May 8, 2017 by Alicia Coombes

by Philippa Kelly A sunny day in Ashland, Oregon. A cup of black coffee (director Desdemona Chiang) and a pot of tea (me). Two people sitting in a café, brainstorming about what kind of infant is to be born, raised, … Continue reading →

Posted in 2017 Season, As You Like It, By Philippa Kelly (dramaturg), Main Stage | 10 Comments

Announcing the Cast & Creative Team of As You Like It!

Posted on April 27, 2017 by Alicia Coombes

We are pleased to announce the full creative team & cast of As You Like It. Rehearsals began Tuesday with introductions, designer presentations, and the first read-through. Click below to see photos from the first rehearsal!  CREATIVE TEAM Director—DESDEMONA CHIANG … Continue reading →

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Othello Tour: Community Response

Posted on March 30, 2017 by Alicia Coombes

Last season’s Othello was one of the most talked about productions in Cal Shakes history. After 29 performances reaching almost 13,000 people at the Bruns last fall (including five student matinees), the conversation didn’t end. Othello went on to tour to 8 community sites … Continue reading →

Posted in #Shx400, 2016 Season, Main Stage, Othello | Leave a comment