Westmont Theater Season Begins with a Focus on Shakespeare

The Westmont theater season opens next week, Friday, Nov. 4, with Shakespeare’s achingly beautiful history play “King Richard II” at Santa Barbara Trinity Episcopal Church. It is the first in a yearlong season of events that centers on contemporary, international approaches to Shakespeare’s plays.

The Lit Moon Theatre Company and Westmont College Repertory Theatre are co-producing “King Richard II,” which will run Nov. 4, 5, 11, 12 at 8 p.m.; Nov. 6 at 7 p.m.; Nov. 12, 13 at 4:30 p.m., all at 1500 State St. Admission is $10 for students and seniors and $15 for the general audience. Seating is limited and the production is expected to sell out.

Shakespeare’s history play follows the fall of the king of England who is overthrown by his cousin and eventually assassinated. It examines the conflict between the legal and divine right to rule and the effectiveness of the ruler.

John Blondell will direct the play, which will invite audiences to follow the action in and through a number of the church’s beautiful spaces. The production features actors Mitchell Thomas, Peter John Duda, Victoria Finlayson, Stanley Hoffman, Kate Paulsen and Westmont students.

James Connolly will provide original music for the production. The sets are designed by Lesley Finlayson, Jonathan Hicks and New York-based designer Yevgenia Nayberg, who will join Westmont as guest artist for the season.

The “Year in the Life” series features productions, lectures, film screenings and workshops. It will culminate with a 2006 Lit Moon World Theatre Festival entirely devoted to international Shakespeare. The festival will be staged at a variety of Santa Barbara venues including the Lobero, Center Stage and Victoria Hall Theatres, as well as the Ellen Porter Theatre at Westmont.

For more information, photos or for complementary tickets to review the play, please contact Andria Martinez at (805) 565-6040.