By Khalida Sarwari
Those seeking culture in Saratoga this summer can find it under a canopy of redwood trees and a crystal clear night sky at Sanborn County Park. That is where the Shady Shakespeare Theatre Company will put on productions of Othello and Pride and Prejudice throughout July and August.
This summer marks the first time that Shady Shakespeare will bring Othello to the stage. One of William Shakespeare’s most complex tragedies, Othello is the story of a Moorish general (portrayed by Michael Wayne Rice) who is revered and respected, but never truly accepted by the people of his adopted home. Othello finds a foe in Iago (Robert Campbell), who brings about his destruction.
Under the direction of Dawn Monique Williams, the Shady Shakespeare production focuses on the clashing cultures of the Mediterranean in Venice and Cyprus and themes of passion, betrayal, rage, devotion and jealousy.
The theater group will concurrently put on a production of Pride and Prejudice. Adapted for the stage by Joseph Hanreddy and presented in its Bay Area premiere by Shady Shakespeare, the Jane Austen classic tells the timeless story of Elizabeth Bennet (Jenna Stich), a young woman seeking happiness and security in early 19th-century England despite her lack of fortune, her embarrassing mother, her silly sisters and all of the usual pitfalls of young love. Director Angie Higgins said she was drawn to the play because of the complexity of its characters and the unconventional story, which, while romantic, still explores deep and meaningful questions about love.
“Austen shows us that love worth having is worth working for,” Higgins said. “She gives us hope of happiness that is not a happy ‘ending,’ but a ‘beginning.’ Perhaps this mirror to love will give you that hope–or remind you to appreciate the love you have in your life.”
Higgins is an artistic director at Shady Shakespeare, a nonprofit organization that aims to make Shakespeare accessible to people of all ages and backgrounds and to build community. The company was founded in 1999 by Dinna Myers, Sara Betts and Jeff Day and produces plays primarily at Sanborn County Park and Willow Street Park in San Jose.
Pride and Prejudice runs from Aug. 1 to 31. Othello runs from July 25 to Aug. 29. Showtimes for both plays are 7 p.m. Thursday through Sunday at Sanborn County Park, 16055 Sanborn Road, Saratoga.
Tickets are $15 to $20 for each play and free for youth under 18 with a paid adult. They can be purchased online at shadyshakes.org or at the park. For more information, call 408.867.4040.
Shady Company will present ‘Othello,’ ‘Pride and Prejudice’ at Sanborn Park
