Forsooth, the works of the Bard are verily alive and well in San Francisco. We are spoiled for choice when it comes to taking in live performances of Romeo and Juliet, Much Ado About Nothing, Macbeth, and everything else good ol’ Bill wrote. We’ve complied a list of some of the best Shakespeare companies in the city and near abouts.
1. Marin Shakespeare Company
Located in San Rafael, Marin Shakespeare Company is a long-running not for profit Shakespeare Company. Their roots go back to the 1960’s, when John and Ann Brebner produced outdoor theatre for six seasons. Since 1989 (I know, some of you weren’t even alive. Crazy right?) the new MSC have put on memorable performances at Dominican College’s Forest Meadows Amphitheater. Helmed by the wise and venerable Robert Currier, the Company has endeavored to preserve the vibrant poetry, art and drama of the Bard’s work. Their season lasts only for the summer, but they host classes for all ages and Shakespeare events year-round.
2. Cal Shakes
Starting from humble beginnings performing Hamlet in churches across the area, California Shakespeare Theater has grown into a full-fledged production company. They pride themselves on their innovative approach to classic theater, celebrating the rich diversity of the Bay Area. Not only do they bring new, outstanding takes on Shakespeare’s plays, they also put on their own original works. Their outdoor amphitheater hosts seasonal performances (read: Summer), but they also offer year-round school and community-based programs. Watching Shakespeare outdoors is like making love on the beach, it’s something you gotta do at least once in your life.
3. Silicon Valley Shakespeare Company
Did you know the Silicon Valley was famous for something other than Interweb machines? They’re putting on Shakespeare, y’all! The Silicon Valley Shakespeare Company aims to innovate the classics with their own unique style of theater. It’s not all powdered wigs and skulls, they introduce state-of-the-art technology to enhance and reinterpret Shakespeare’s timeless plays. We would expect nothing less from the homeland of Jobs and Gates. This season they are presenting Antony and Cleopatra as well as Ken Ludwig’s Shakespeare in Hollywood.
4. San Francisco Shakespeare Festival
Starting in 1983 with Free Shakespeare in the Park’s debut of the Tempest, the San Francisco Shakespeare Festival strives to make the timeless work of Shakespeare available to everyone. They continue their traditional Free Shakespeare in the Park performances every year from July to October and, as it says in the title, it’s free! What excuse could there be NOT to go? To top that off, they host a variety of programs that bring the Bard’s work to schools and at-risk youth across the state. This year’s Free Shakespeare in the park will bring back Romeo and Juliet (mysteriously missing since 1992) and their touring company is performing the tale of the tragic Dane, Hamlet.
5. African-American Shakespeare Company
With a strong-rooted belief in the power of the Arts to change lives, the African-American Shakespeare Company strives to reach a diverse audience. They specialize in creating opportunities for under-represented actors to perform in these classic roles. Opening in 1994, the company has exploded in popularity, kicking off its 21st season this fall. In addition to producing classics like Romeo and Juliet and Antony and Cleopatra, they will also be showcasing their much-loved version of Cinderella and George C. Wolfe’s The Colored Museum. Wow, if that’s not enough theater for your insatiable appetite, they offer educational classes and workshops to increase your appreciation and knowledge of the Arts.