The island on which the sorcerer Prospero is marooned is one of those masses of plastic and electronic detritus floating in the world’s oceans and he executes his “magic” entirely by smartphone, wrist keypad and other devices he’s created from the debris. Doing Shakespeare — and, often, Greek tragedies — with contemporary touches is a hallmark of the company, in keeping with founder and Executive Director Sherri Young’s vision, as she reiterates in her program note, “to make the classics accessible to communities that have been traditionally excluded from these timeless tales.” The season continues with Hall directing the company’s annual holiday musical, “Cinderella” (“our bread and butter,” Callender says), followed by “Xtigone,” an urban hip-hop remix of Sophocles’ “Antigone” by Nambi E. Kelley with music by Tommy Shepherd, staged by Medea Project founder Jones. [...] the much-in-demand actor (21 seasons with Cal Shakes; soon appearing in the title role of “Breakfast With Mugabe” at the Aurora) is very happy with his work at the company, “reimagining Shakespeare for contemporary audiences — I mean, these plays were contemporary when he wrote them — giving young actors of color opportunities to hone their craft in roles they couldn’t get elsewhere and keeping it clear, keeping it honest, keeping it vibrant.”
Reported by SFGate 7 minutes ago.
↧