2016 Season Under the Stars
Isidore and Penny Myers Foundation, Season Producers
HAMLET directed by Beth Lopes
The readiness is all.
You might think that a play that has been sweeping through the public and critical imagination for more than 400 years would have settled itself into a single meaning. But the restless heart of this quintessential masterwork of Shakespeare refuses to be so defined. Be ready to witness Denmark’s most tortured Prince transform from a boy … to a man … to a murderer … to a legend.
AS YOU LIKE IT directed by Eli Simon
All the world’s a stage, and all the men and women merely players.
This much-loved comedy of love and disguise, exile and companionship, is reimagined in the world of Depression-era drifters and American folk music.
Riding the rails to the Forest of Arden, Rosalind meets a fantastic array of characters.
Playing games of disguise and pretense, she digs deep into her lover’s heart and winds up surprised by what she learns of her own. Join us for an evening of love, fantasy, and companionship … as you like it.
“If music be the food of love, play on!”
Music Mondays
Shakespeare’s Fool
Monday, July 25
Featuring Jason Feddy’s fresh, modern tunes for many of The Bard’s greatest hits. Performed by Feddy’s energetic, acoustic guitar driven trio, along with world class actors, Shakespeare’s words come to life. This eclectic show is a moving journey through some of Shakespeare’s most glorious language. Scholars, skeptics, and lovers of Shakespeare will enjoy this quick-paced show. Tickets are only $20 – for every seat in the house.
Info & Tickets
Mariachi Las Colibrí II
Monday, August 1
LAS COLIBRÍ or “The Hummingbirds,” have a passion for music, beauty, and girl power. These women are flying into new territory as one of the most unique ensembles of its genre. Last summer, they had children and adults dancing on the stage of The New Swan Theater. Come and join us for another magical night of all-female mariachi under the stars. Tickets are only $20 – for every seat in the house.
Mozart Monday III
Monday, August 15
Back by popular demand, The New Swan String Quartet returns, with maestro Ben Simon, and special guest soloist Robin Buck, for a program of masterpieces by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Come learn a bit about the Salzburg Scribbler and hear some of the most beautiful music ever written, performed by members of the LA Philharmonic and other top-tier ensembles.
“How far that little candle throws his beams!
So shines a good deed in a naughty world.”
Seminars & Education
- Seminar Series
- Community Conversations
- Shakespeare Weekend
- Friday Folios Series
- Apprentice Program
Our New Swan Theater
- 16-ton movable, 130 seat, mini-Elizabethan theater.
- Every seat is very close to the action.
- Winner of Arts Orange County Award 2013: Outstanding Contribution to the Built Environment.
Join & Support
- Early Ticket Purchase and many more benefits
- Name a Seat
- Sponsor an Actor
- Become an Honorary Producer
New Swan Shakespeare Festival is hosted and produced in collaboration with the University of California, Irvine, the Claire Trevor School of the Arts, and the Department of Drama.
Join Now & Support New Swan