San Francisco’s African-American Shakespeare Company announced the lineup for its 17th season. The season marks African-American Shakespeare Company’s second season under the artistic leadership of acclaimed actor and director L. Peter Callender.
The season opens in December with a holiday production of Cinderella (review) directed by Executive Director Sherri Young; this new take on the timeless fairytale has become a seasonal favorite for families and children of all ages.
The season continues in March with Shakespeare’s political potboiler Julius Caesar, directed by Michael Gene Sullivan.
Closing the season in April is the company’s first World Premiere production, playwright and actress Nambi E. Kelley’s Xtigone, directed by Darryl Jones. Productions will be staged at the Buriel Clay Theater at the African American Art & Culture Complex in San Francisco.
“I am ecstatic about our 2011-2012 season,” said artistic director L. Peter Callender. “At African-American Shakespeare Company, we are dedicated to envisioning the classics with color. Just as we celebrate the many facets of diversity in the Bay Area, we are also actively trying to expand the definition of ‘classic,’ including American classics and classically-inspired new works in our repertoire as we continue to build upon our history of vibrant, creatively staged works. While looking forward, we also maintain our commitment to entertaining, engaging, and enriching our community.”
Continues Callender, “I hope that this season continues to engage our audiences and the wider artistic community. We are in an exciting period of artistic growth at African-American Shakespeare Company and I would love for everyone to be a part of this new chapter in our history.”
African-American Shakespeare Company 2011-12 Season
Cinderella
Directed by Sherri Young
December 2-18, 2011
Press Opening: December 2Julius Caesar
By William Shakespeare
Directed by Michael Gene Sullivan
March 10-April 1, 2012
Press Opening: March 10Xtigone
World Premiere
By Nambi E. Kelley
Directed by Darryl Jones
April 20-May 13, 2012
Press Opening: April 20WHERE:
Buriel Clay Theater at the African American Art & Culture Complex
762 Fulton Street (at Webster), San Francisco, CA
