With scandalous tales of love, betrayal, romance, tragedy and wicked social commentary, William Shakespeare’s plays are just as relevant as when they were written almost 500 years ago. Other literary classics, too, shine on stage as performed by the world-class Oregon Shakespeare Festival theater company, an Oregon tradition since 1935.
Running February through November each year in Ashland, each season brings 10 plays, shown on three stages. With a focus on equity, diversity and inclusion, the nonprofit-led company also creates the space to become fully engaged in the festival through classes, talks and immersive discussions at their Festival Noons or Living Ideas events. Fans can also take advantage of backstage tours to learn more about the history of the festival and the intricacies of operating a repertory theatre. The festival also includes sign-interpreted weekends, with ASL interpreters provided for special performances.
Acclaimed OSF Artistic Director Bill Rauch has finished his time at the helm making a path for the new OSF Artistic Director Nataki Garrett. This year’s season has an exciting lineup of classics and new plays, including Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”, “The Tempest,” and Sarah B. Mantel’s “Everything That Never Happened”.
Ready to bring on the bard? Here are some of the shows in the 2020 season lineup:
A Midsummer Night’s Dream
February 28 – November 1
The Copper Children
February 29 – October 31
Peter and the Starcatcher
March 1 – November 1
Bring Down the House, Parts I & II
March 3 – November 1
Confederates
April 8 – October 31
The Tempest
May 26 – October 18
black odyssey
May 27 – October 16
Bernhardt/Hamlet
May 28 – October 17
Poor Yella Rednecks
July 2 – October 31
Everything That Never Happened
July 21 – October 31
