Cast Members Reprise Roles in Twelfth Night
Thirty years ago, Theatre Workshop of Nantucket staged Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night under the virtuosic 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. The year was 1977—a kind of Gotterdammerung for Nantucket’s era of pre-tourist development and romantic, artistic isolation. In that sense, Nantucket was like Illyria, the island on which the lead of Twelfth Night, Viola, finds herself shipwrecked and in search of her brother, Sebastian.
Nantucket Arts Council member and island photographer Beverly Hall remembered what it was like to sit 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. They were heady times.”
Now leaders in their respected fields on island, Gifford, Witte, Schultz, Goss, and Ferrenbach will resume their roles in Twelfth Night during the second annual Shakespeare in the Garden party, held by Hall at her Madaket home on June 26 to benefit the Fourth Annual Nantucket Arts Council Shakespeare Festival. Meredith Martin will direct the scenes, which will also star David Lazarus as Malvolio.
Chuck Gifford and Eric Schultz
“What I am hoping is that these scenes bring back some of that playful, heady spirit from the days of the original performance when people of the arts came together and had a celebration of being together and being out in nature,” said Hall, who called the event not only a “fund-raiser” but a “friend-raiser.”
“Chuck Gifford now runs Cottage Hospital community relations and development, but he’s still a fine actor, and that’s a perfect example of how the arts and artists remain here, working together,” Hall added.
Nantucket Shakespeare Festival provides a top-notch theatrical and academic schedule this summer 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 at Bennett Hall, as well as stagings of Much Ado About Nothing by our island’s own Seaside Shakespeare, lectures by Harvard Shakespearean scholar Marjorie Garber and also children’s events.
Although all Shakespeare in the Garden attendees are encouraged to attend in period dress, people should not be shy about coming as they are.
Theatre Workshop of Nantucket and Clara Urbahn have donated a wardrobe of beautiful costumes for those who’d like to dress but don’t have access to Elizabethan costumes. “Come as you are, and we’ll dress you up,” Hall said.
Because of fundraisers like Shakespeare in the Garden and individual donations, all Shakespeare by the Sea events will be free. Proceeds from Shakespeare in the Garden ticket sales and sponsorships will support the festival.
In addition to the highlighted resurrection of scenes from Twelfth Night, the NAC’s Shakespeare in the Garden party will include ye olde tavern fare and drink, jugglers, music, and a silent auction. It’s possibly one of the most consistent and rewarding costume parties on island, taking place in the midst of Hither Creek gardens and, if the weather is clear, a remarkable sunset. Auction items will include a Great Harbor Yacht Club yacht cruise for 16-18 people at sunset around the harbor, a Segway scooter, pottery by Barbara Toole, a carved pendant from Nancy Chase, gift certificates from Nantucket restaurants, and Shakespearean-themed baskets. The party will run from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Party tickets are $100 and are available from info@nantucketartscouncil.org or 508-325-8588. Sponsorships are available to help underwrite the event. Contact development@nantucketartscouncil.org or 508-228-7892.
Founded in 1973, the Nantucket Arts Council is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that promotes the appreciation of, provides access to, and supports the arts on Nantucket with year-round programming in the visual arts, film, music, dance, theater and performing arts for all ages. Annual programs include the Nantucket Arts Festival in the fall and Shakespeare Festival in the summer, a Young People’s Concert Series, and a Winter Concert Series. NAC also offers a scholarship program for Nantucket students pursuing careers in the arts and awards grants to other local nonprofit cultural organizations.
