By Khalida Sarwari
Almost as a nod to Juliet’s famous line about “a rose by any other name would smell as sweet,” the Shady Shakespeare Theatre Company emerged early this year with a new name while retaining its identity as one of the South Bay’s premier theater organizations.
After 16 years, the company reintroduced itself in January as Silicon Valley Shakespeare. New executive director Doug Brook explained that the new name is more representative of the complete package that the company provides today.
“As the company has evolved, it has spread throughout the valley, and it’s become a bigger venture than the more neighborhood feel that the original name had,” he said. “Even with the new name, we’re still the same company, just as folksy and just as [willing to put] up a set in the park down the street as we always have been.”
Under its new name, the Silicon Valley Shakespeare company is bringing a pair of productions to Sanborn County Park throughout July and August, one a timeless tragedy and the other a comedic spin on a classic.
This summer will be the first time that Silicon Valley Shakespeare will bring “Antony and Cleopatra” to the stage. A Shakespearean tragedy of global proportions, the play follows the relationship between Egyptian Queen Cleopatra (Stephanie Whigham) and Roman General Mark Antony (Joe Barra) from the time of the Sicilian revolt to Cleopatra’s suicide during the Final War of the Roman Republic. Directed by Larry Barrott, the play explores the rivalry between Antony and Octavius, who in order to secure his rule must bring Antony to heel or destroy him.
Silicon Valley Shakespeare’s rendition will be captivating and textured, said Brook. The play also fits into the company’s seasonal theme of “meeting your match.”
“It is a tragic love story in essence, and a very compelling one,” said Brook. “It’s atypical for Shakespeare considering the settings, going back and forth from Rome to Egypt. It’s a wonderful production that we wanted to rise to the challenge of doing for the reasons that it’s not done very often.”
The theater group will concurrently put on a production of “Shakespeare in Hollywood.” Adapted for the stage by Ken Ludwig and presented under Brook’s direction, the Shakespeare-inspired production tells the story of Oberon and Puck, Shakespeare’s most famous fairies, who have magically materialized on a Hollywood set of Max Reinhardt’s 1935 film “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.” Instantly smitten by the glitz and glamour of show business, the duo are ushered onto the silver screen to play themselves and soon find themselves tossed into loopy love triangles.
“It is hilarious,” Brook said. “It has touching moments, but essentially it is a straight-up comedy. I find it’s particularly compelling to do for people who know Shakespeare and ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream.’ It’s also a wonderful steppingstone for those who are not familiar.”
Founded in 1999 by Dinna Myers, Sara Betts and Jeff Day, Silicon Valley Shakespeare is a nonprofit that aims to make Shakespeare accessible to people of all ages and backgrounds. The organization produces plays primarily at Sanborn County Park and Willow Street Park in San Jose.
“Antony and Cleopatra” runs from July 24 to Aug. 28. “Shakespeare in Hollywood” runs from July 21 to Aug. 30. Showtimes are 7 p.m. Thursday through Sunday at Sanborn County Park, 16055 Sanborn Road, Saratoga. Tickets are $15 to $22 for each play and free for youth under 18 with a paid adult. They can be purchased online at svshakespeare.org or at the park. For more information, call 408.867.4040.
