Thirty years ago, Theatre Workshop of Nantucket staged Shakespeare’s “Twelfth Night” under the halcyon directorship of local legend Mac Dixon. Chuck Gifford, Chris Witte, Eric Shultz, Vicky Goss and Judith Ferrenbach were young adults when they filled the starring roles in Shakespeare’s tale of confused gender identity and love. In the mid to late 70s, Nantucket was like Illyria, the island on which the lead of “Twelfth Night” finds herself shipwrecked and in search of her twin brother, Sebastian.
Nantucket Arts Council member and island photographer Beverly Hall
remembered what it was like to sit in on rehearsals at the time. “It was a lively group”, Hall said. “They rehearsed at the Twin Street Barn, and I took photos because I was engaged by the whole process of how plays come together. Those were heady times.”
Now leaders in their fields on island, Gifford, Witte, Schultz, Goss and Ferrenbach will resume their roles in “Twelfth Night” during this second annual Shakespeare in the Garden party, with a performance of scenes from “Twelfth Night”, a silent auction, tavern fare and drink, jugglers, music and sonnets by the Bard. Meredith Martin will direct, and Meredith has added David Lazarus as Malvolio.
This is a unique, once a year event, like no other on the island.
Auction items will include a Great Harbor Yacht Club yacht cruise for 16-18 people at sunset around the harbor, a Segway scooter, a piece of pottery from Barbara Toole, a carved pendant from Nancy Chase, gift certificates from some of Nantucket’s finest restaurants, and Shakespearean-themed baskets.
Although attendees are encouraged to come in period dress, you may also come as you are. Theatre Workshop of Nantucket and Clara Urbahn have donated period costumes for those who’d like to dress up but don’t have access to Elizabethan costumes. Come as you are, and we’ll dress you up “as you like it”, Hall said.
Tickets for the party are $100 per person. All funds raised will support the 4th Annual Nantucket Arts Council Shakespeare Festival, allowing all events of the July Festival to be free. Sponsorships are available to help underwrite the event. Contact development@nantucketartscouncil.org or (508) 228-7892.
The Nantucket Shakespeare Festival runs from Sunday, July 13 through Sunday, July 20. This year’s lineup includes the nationally acclaimed Shakespeare on the Cape company returning to perform ‘The Tempest’, as well as stagings of ‘Much Ado About Nothing’ by Nantucket’s own Seaside Shakespeare, lectures by Harvard Shakespearean scholar Marjorie Garber, and children’s events. All free.
Thursday, June 26, 5:30 to 8:30, at the home of Beverly Hall, 44 Tennessee Avenue in Madaket. Information and tickets at 508-325-8588, or info@nantucketartscouncil.org.
The first set of photos were taken by Beverly Hall at a 1977 Theatre Workshop of Nantucket production of Twelfth Night. Scenes from the production will be performed by the original cast members. Shown in the first photo: Chuck Gifford and Eric Schultz. In the second: (L to R) Chuck Gifford, Eric Schultz and Chris Witte.
Here are some photos of last year’s event.
The Grand Opening of the newly renovated Greenhound Building is this Tuesday, June 17 at 12 noon at 10 Washington Street (the former location of Island Spirits). Visitor’s Service now has an annex office in the building. Refreshments will be served.
The drawing for the tenth year of “Do the Ride Thing” will be the same day at noon at the Greenhound Building. Win prizes including the grand prize of a new bicycle from Young’s bike shop.
