Welcome 2024 Anes Company Members
As the curtains prepare to rise on the Festival’s 63rd season, beginning this week in the Engelstad Shakespeare Theatre, and the following week in the Randall L. Jones Theatre, a delightful blend of returning and new artists arrived last week on Monday, June 10, to begin the process for two productions in our third space, the Anes Studio Theatre. These shows will open in mid-July and run through October 5.
The gathering was filled with anticipation, nostalgia, excitement, and some nervous energy. Artistic Director John DiAntonio gave a warm welcome by saying, “You are in an extraordinary place and it’s easy to take that for granted…but you are surrounded by some of the best artists in the country and in a community that is thrilled to have you…I hope you fill up your cup this summer through the art and through connections.” Featuring two captivating period pieces penned by esteemed contemporary playwrights, this group of theatre technicians have since jumped enthusiastically into their work.
Audiences can expect to be transported by these stories––Silent Sky by Lauren Gunderson, directed by Melinda Pfundstein, and The Mountaintop by Katori Hall, directed by Cameron Knight––that delve into the lives of some important historical trail blazers.
The inspiring narrative of Silent Sky tells a story of indomitable spirit about pioneering astronomer Henrietta Leavitt. Her relentless pursuit of knowledge and truth weaves a tale not only about difficult challenges she faced but also of discovering light and love within.
The Mountaintop tells a fictional but powerful story of Martin Luther King Jr.’s final night on earth. While his legacy is full of potency and grace, this poignant story also serves as a reminder of his struggles, vulnerabilities, and pressures to be a leader in a pivotal time.
Both directors have a strong history with the Festival, and lead artistic teams and casts who are preparing extraordinary productions. One of the advantages of performing in the Anes Theatre is the opportunity to experience these stories in an intimate setting. With only 200 seats, audiences are very close to the action onstage. Another exciting element in this space this season is the use of projection to tell the stories. Without giving anything away, it will be something not to be missed.
Welcome to the 2024 Anes company!
Tickets and information for Silent Sky and The Mountaintop, along with the Festival’s other productions including Shakespeare’s Henry VIII, The Winter’s Tale, The Taming of the Shrew, and Much Ado About Nothing, as well as the hilarious whodunit comedy The 39 Steps, can be found online at bard.org or by calling 800-PLAYTIX.
