MANCHESTER — Shakespeare in the Woods (SitW) will celebrate its fifth anniversary season of revelatory, experimental classical theatre in Southern Vermont.
The young, unconventional company will present gripping and modern reimagined productions of “Richard II” and “Love’s Labour’s Lost,” for its 2025 Season. Shows will be performed in repertory during August 13 through 31 with evening performances occurring on Wednesdays through Sundays, and Student & Seniors matinee opportunities to be announced.
SitW has also announced its continued venue partnership with The Equinox Golf Resort & Spa in Manchester. Performances will once again occur under the trees on the Equinox’s idyllic Taconic Lawn, rain or shine.
“I’m excited to be returning for our fifth anniversary season this summer, and to be doing so with ‘Richard II’ and ‘Love’s Labour’s Lost,’” said Producing Artistic Director, Katharine Maness (they/them). “It’s been quite a journey for SitW, with our first season occurring in 2019 to then hitting an immediate pause due to Covid-19 and then essentially starting from square one when we resumed live performances in 2022. I’m very proud of how we’ve managed to grow and adapt through it all while maintaining the heart of what makes our work special. We haven’t been shy about our unconventionality as a company or approach to Shakespeare, and it’s been invigorating to be met with such a willingness from audiences to really lean in and take the ride with us!”
SitW newcomer Michael Alvarez (he/him) will direct “Love’s Labour’s Lost,” and returning for a third summer is Roberto Di Donato (he/they/el/elle), to direct “Richard II.” As has been SitW’s way since inception, in addition to directing, Alvarez and Di Donato are also helming the adaptations of their productions.
Reflecting on the timely importance of producing urgent, thought-provoking art and building a creative space in Southern VT for artists primarily of marginalized identities, Maness said, “SitW produces explicitly queer, socially conscious, and innovative work in a small, rural state — we know firsthand the profound and beautiful impact art can have on people. Our work is grounded in humanity because we believe that art can foster empathy and understanding of ourselves and each other. Shakespeare has endured for centuries because of its endless accessibility to the human condition; our productions are an opportunity to engage with realities and perspectives beyond our own, and really see one another as fully dimensional people. We desperately need that, both artist and audience, now more than ever. I look forward to welcoming audiences back to our grassy stage this summer for rich and immersive dialogue with ‘Richard II’ and ‘Love’s Labour’s Lost,’ and to celebrate five magical years of Shakespeare in the Woods!”
Tickets for “Richard II” and “Love’s Labour’s Lost” will be available for advance online purchase starting June 1, with same day purchase available at the box office day of performances. SitW uses a sliding scale ticket model with multiple price points, including a zero cost option. Season performances take place outdoors on the Taconic Lawn at The Equinox Golf Resort & Spa (3567 Main St) and are rain or shine. In the event of severe weather conditions, SitW will provide time sensitive updates.
Additional season and ticket details and information will be available at www.shakespeareinthewoods.org and on social media: @shakespeareinthewoods (IG and Facebook). Regional schools interested in attending Student & Senior matinees should contact [email protected] with the subject “School Matinee” for all information on how to arrange.