Photo by John Hoj
In the foreground, actors Marin Ireland and Jon Bernthal rehearse for the upcoming “Ironbound” performances. In the background, from left, are Nordhoff students Jasper Gaggia and Lincoln Robison, “Ironbound” director Guillermo Cienfuegos, and Nordhoff student Ivan Cruz.
Acclaimed Hollywood actor and longtime Ojai resident Jon Bernthal is launching a major cultural and educational initiative aimed at revitalizing the performing arts for local students and the wider Ojai Valley community. Bernthal, known for his roles in “The Punisher,” “King Richard,” and “The Wolf of Wall Street,” as well as hit series like “The Walking Dead” and “The Bear,” is spearheading the creation of the Ojai Theatre Festival, which will bring Broadway-caliber productions to Ojai while investing directly in the local school district.
The Ojai Theatre Festival will open with “Ironbound” by Pulitzer Prize-winner Martyna Majok, a raw, timely story of a Polish immigrant’s struggle to survive in America. Bernthal will star alongside Tony-nominated actress Marin Ireland, acclaimed for her emotionally powerful work on both stage and screen.
Photo by Isidora Goreshter
Back row, from left: actors Michael Govan Hackett and Marin Ireland, Nordhoff students Emily Schurmer, Jesse Kirkland, and Meliya Alvarez, and Nordhoff Theatre Arts Director John Hoj. Front row, from left: actor Jon Bernthal, Nordhoff students Lincoln Robison, Ivan Cruz and Jasper Gaggia, and actor Shiloh Fernandez.