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BARD FEST 2023

A Thrilling Exploration of Power

This year, Bard Fest begins the process of expanding the canon of Classical Theatre in Indianapolis. With eight exciting projects, mentorship, exploration, and growth are the name of the game this year as the organization takes steps towards becoming more accessible. As artists and audience members you will experience brilliant, enduring stories that dive into questions of power through many lenses. Who has it? Who doesn't? And what will you do to get it? 

ANGELS IN AMERICA


Millennium Approaches and Perestroika

 
by Tony Kushner

The Schrott Center for Performing Arts

June 2 - July 1

This June, join Bard Fest for a Landmark Event. In rotating repertory with the same cast, experience the fantastical history of a generation that was almost lost to a devastating epidemic,  fueled by the fires of a rapidly changing political climate. Angels in America is a sweeping epic that takes one of the most frightening periods of American history for LGBTQ+ people, and fills it with life, optimism, and a fire to make the world a better place. 

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This production is directed by Glenn Dobbs and 10% of all proceed will benefit our partners at Trinity Haven. 

This production is generously sponsored by C.H. Douglas & Gray Wealth Management

TROILUS & CRESSIDA

A DARK, NECESSARY ROMANCE

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The Cat (Carmel)

October 6 - 15, 2023

This Fall, the festival kicks off with a production of Troilus and Cressida, Shakespeare's unsettling look at the horrors of war, the dangers of divisiveness, and the poisonous allure of power, all tied to the romance between a brilliant young woman, and a trojan prince. 

Director: Zachariah Stonerock. 
Assistant Director: TBD

AS YOU LIKE IT

A "DECEPTIVELY FUNNY" ROMANTIC COMEDY

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Mud Creek Playhouse

October 6 - 15, 2023

In our first partnership with Mud Creek Players, Bard Fest and Improbable Fiction bring you a timeless tale of disguise and discovery. Inspired by Commedia Dell'arte, this whirlwind comedic production will celebrate and elevate one of Shakespeare's most beloved romances.

Director: Ryan Shelton
Assistant Director: TBD

A BOLD STROKE FOR A HUSBAND

By Hannah Cowley 

A BOLD COMEDY FOR BRIGHT HEROINES

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The Shelton Auditorium

October 20 - 29, 2023

We're Expanding the Canon with this 1783 comedy of manners that flipped the genre on its head! Brilliant, bold, and filled with fabulous plots, this charming piece from one of the 18th century's most-produced women playwrights combines the best of Twelfth Night and Taming of the Shrew with the feminist attitudes of a more modern piece.

Director: Max Andrew McCreary
Assistant Director: TBD

MEDEA

By Euripides, adapted by Ruby Blondell

A MOVING DRAMA WITH CHILLING CONSEQUENCES

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The IndyFringe Basile Theatre

October 20 - 29, 2023

Euripides celebrated Greek classic has rarely been more present and important than today. This nuanced and thoughtful drama will be presented in alleyway format as you follow Medea in her journey towards the most difficult decisions she could possibly make. 

Director: Natalie Fischer
Assistant Director: TBD

TITUS ANDRONICUS

 

A SHAKESPEAREAN GRAND GUIGNOL

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The Indy Eleven Theatre

October 20 - 29, 2023

Absurdly thrilling and hilariously dark, this rarely-produced Shakespearean horror brings out the most unsettling facets of human nature in an exploration of what we do to reclaim our strength. The first "revenge flick," Titus Andronicus is sure to make a splash...

Director: Matt Anderson
Assistant Director: TBD

HEDDA GABLER

A THRILLING DRAMA OF SELF-INTEREST AND IDENTITY

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Arts for Lawrence

November 3 - 12, 2023

Ibsen's most notable drama takes centerstage as the coda to our festival. This intense, psychological thriller explores the means by which a woman must take control of her own life. Filled with bureaucratic roadblocks, personal manipulation, and a string of damning secrets, this incredible play paints a stunning portrait of womanhood as relevant now as in 1891. 

Director: Chris Saunders
Assistant Director: TBD

WANT TO GET INVOLVED ? 

Our directors will be looking to fill out their production teams in the next few weeks. With mentorship playing a significant role in our programming this year, these are great opportunities for student designers and technical staff, and emerging, early-career professionals looking to build up their portfolio. 

WANT TO ASSIST ONE OF THESE PRODUCTIONS?

Assistant Directors and Stage Managers will play a HUGE role in getting this season up on its feet. With dozens of stipend opportunities, this is the perfect playground to experiment and grow as a creator of classical theatre. If you are interested in working with one of these productions, email a letter of intent and a resume to Bard Fest's Artistic Director, Max Andrew McCreary at max.a.mccreary@gmail.com

CURIOUS ABOUT AUDITIONS?

Auditions for Bard Fest 2023 will happen this Summer, in June and July throughout the city, with opportunities to audition in Lawrence, Indianapolis, Fishers, and even online. Unlike in previous years, pre-casting will be limited for each production, so MOST ROLES WILL BE AVAILABLE. Check back for more information soon.

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