Thank you for considering a tax-deductible charitable donation to the Los Angeles Women's Shakespeare Company (Fed. tax id 95-4434376) For seventeen years we have been a grass-roots organization, dedicated to the best Shakespearean productions that we can create, presenting the world's best all-female multicultural Shakespeare right here in Los Angeles! Any donation from you will help keep us alive and happy - and you can't imagine how precarious it all is - we really need your help!
Current Projects: The "WICKED SHORTS" Summer Festival is produced by Lisa Wolpe and the Los Angeles Womens' Shakespeare Company, directed by Lisa Wolpe. Performances are in repertory presenting two different shows a night - Thursday through Saturday, 7:30p and 9:30p and Sundays at 2p and 4p. Festival dates are May 27, 2010 through June 27, 2010. All performances are at the Miles Playhouse, 1130 Lincoln Boulevard, Santa Monica, CA 90403. Ticket prices are $15 per show, general seating. Tickets: http://www.brownpapertickets.com/producer/20640
Longtime fans of Ms. Wolpe's always stunning work will be intrigued to note this festival's inclusion of male actors in what have previously been all-female explorations of classic texts. Says Ms. Wolpe, "...this festival is a natural next-level of the work I've been doing for the last year with a core group of very talented actors, both women and men. While in no way abandoning my main audience, I felt this was just another way to expand the exploration of gender markers in our society while sharing with the community the timeless truths and observations contained in these wonderful plays."
The first offering will be Ms. Wolpe's already well-received adaptation of Shakespeare's Macbeth entitled Macbeth3. Something wicked this way comes_"but it's not what you expect! In a graphic-novel world of the near future, warrior Macbeth receives a visitation from Satan, who tells him he is next in line for the crown. How far will Macbeth go to satisfy his lust for power and security? This bold, one-hour retelling of Shakespeare's creepiest tragedy - with three male actors portraying a dozen roles including Lady Macbeth - highlights the play's intensity and breakneck pace, while illuminating both Macbeth's tormented inner life and the tragic consequences of a world at war with itself.
The next show up is Ms. Wolpe's cutting of Shakespeare's The Winter's Tale, now named A Tyrant's Tale. How far will a vengeful king go to ensure the loyalty of those closest to him? When does vigilance slip over into paranoia? This gripping and fantastical one-hour exploration, adapted to maximize both the play's tragic and comic elements, explores the nature of leadership, loyalty, and the redemptive power of enduring love.
The third play in the line-up is the perfect for a summer's night The Importance of Being Earnest, by Oscar Wilde. This fast-moving, comedic gem introduces us to the dashing Jack who loves lovely Gwendolyn. His best friend, the handsome Algernon, adores the sensational Cecily. All should be well_"except that both men aren't quite as "earnest" as they seem! This hilariously scathing critique of social hypocrisy, features four women in the leading roles including Ms. Wolpe as "Jack", and Los Angeles audience favorite John Acorn as the uproarious "Lady Bracknell".
Lastly, as part of LAWSC's continuing mission to be of service to the greater community, "WICKED SHORTS" will also present a night of scenes featuring high school students and college undergraduates who are being mentored in the various crafts of theater making through the festival.
PLEASE HELP MAKE THIS AND OTHER LAWSC PROGRAMS POSSIBLE! DONATE TODAY TO HELP ENSURE THAT OUR WORK CAN COME TO FRUITION TOMORROW!
Thank you for your kindness and generosity! All my best, Lisa Wolpe, Artistic Director, LAWSC
