THIS SUMMER The Shakespeare Center of Los Angeles (SCLA), returns to the Japanese Garden on the grounds of the Veteran’s Administration in West LA after a gap of sixteen years, for a production of the Bard’s romantic comedy “As You Like It,” directed by Royal Shakespeare Company artist Kenn Sabberton, from July 10th to 29th.
The cast is led by Tessa Thompson as Rosalind (Tessa can be seen in the upcoming BBC America show “Copper”) with Peter Cambor as Orlando; Michael Dorn, well known as the Klingon Lt. Commander Worf from “Star Trek,” plays both Duke Frederick and Duke Senior; and Diane Venora, who played Hamlet for the New York Shakespeare Festival, plays Jacques. The cast also features McKinley Belcher, Kendra Chell, Brian Joseph, Gabriella Rhodeen, Andrew Schwartz, and Lindsay Rae Taylor.
Director Kenn Sabberton has set the play in present day Los Angeles, where Shakespeare’s court is likened to the corridors of governmental and corporate power and financial influence, and where the events of the day have brought about a sorry and sour state of affairs, stemming from family strife and political maneuverings among the characters.
Since this is Shakespeare, after all, the characters repair to the forest. The Forest of Arden has become the local rural orange groves, adjacent farmland, and campgrounds where the characters gather to sing, dance, fall in love, and discuss what is truly important for their own health and the health of mankind – as many Angelenos who regularly enjoy the natural settings that are easily accessible to all who live here. “In Shakespeare, as in life, there is a restorative power of nature and in creating music, dance and song, as a healing force,” said Sabberton. “It is the transformative Shakespearean experience that an audience can enjoy – as audiences have for hundreds of years –under the moon and the stars.”
Ben Donenberg, Artistic Director of The Shakespeare Center said, “We are returning to the VA grounds to present Shakespeare – this time at the Japanese Garden, one of the loveliest outdoor venues on the West Side. Here we have a chance to enjoy one of Shakespeare’s most popular comedies, with a great company of wonderful Los Angeles Shakespearean actors, led by a 10-year veteran of the Royal Shakespeare Company, complete with live music – an important part of our productions – on a lovely mid-summer evening, with al fresco dining. Additionally this allows us to continue working with Veterans, who will serve as valued members of our backstage and front of house team. Two veterans will also be part of the performing company, and we are making complimentary tickets available to active military personnel and veterans.”
The production features original music by Brian Joseph, who wrote original music for the Shakespeare Center’s 2010 production of “Much Ado About Nothing,” featuring Lyle Lovett and Helen Hunt. The scenery is by Gary Wissmann, costumes by Holly Poe Durbin, and the lighting by Trevor Norton.
The Japanese Garden on the grounds of the West Los Angeles VA is at 11301 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90073 (adjacent to the Brentwood Theatre). Tickets are available at: “http://shakespearecenter.org. For information about the ticket program for active military and veterans, please call SCLA at 213-481-2273.
