It’s time to reserve your summer seats for some great theater under the stars. The California Shakespeare Theater’s 2018 season begins in June. If you have never experienced this unique blend of food, community, and theater…now’s your chance! 

Quixote Nuevo
by Octavio Solis
Adapted from Don Quixote by Miguel de Cervantes
World Premiere Production
June 13 through July 1

Celebrated Latino playwright Octavio Solis takes us on a journey to the fictional modern-day border town of La Mancha, Texas, where Don Quixote loses himself in stories of chivalrous escapades and embarks on a quest of imagination, adventure, and Tejano music. Casting himself as a larger-than-life knight-errant, the old man recruits a hapless but trusty sidekick in his search for lost love. As the community wrestles with containing Quixote’s fantasies, his family and friends discover the joys and perils of being the hero of your own story.

Everybody
By Branden Jacobs-Jenkins
West Coast Premiere Production
July 18 through August 5

Branden Jacobs-Jenkins, hailed by the New York Times as “one of this country’s most original and illuminating writers” explores the most universal of truths: you can’t take it with you, but everybody tries. When Everybody faces imminent death, which companion—Beauty, Friendship, Stuff, or Love—will make it to the final destination? The core company of actors—whose roles are randomly determined each night by lottery—let fate decide the journey as they play out this new riff on an ancient morality tale with surprising grace, humor, and heart.

The War of the Roses
From William Shakespeare’s
Henry VI and Richard III
August 23 through September 9

Political unrest and power grabs clash to create one of Shakespeare’s most monstrous monarchs, threatening the country with tyranny. When weak leadership and civil strife run rampant, what are the consequences? Who will take the throne? A fast-paced, far-ranging, vividly theatrical depiction of two powerful families—the Houses of Lancaster and York—and their decades-long fight for the English throne, close out this epic summer with this monumental event.

Black Odyssey
By Marcus Gardley
September 25 through October 7

Back by popular demand, we’re thrilled to announce the return of Marcus Gardley’s lyrical and spiritual black odyssey for a special limited engagement at the Bruns.

After he is lost at sea and presumed dead, Gulf War veteran Ulysses Lincoln struggles to find his way home to his wife, Nella, and his son, Malachi. A host of Gods control his fate, including the dignified Deus, scheming Paw Sidin, and radiant Aunt Tina, who make Ulysses confront his ancestral past so that he can embrace his unsettled present.

All performances are at the Bruns Amphitheater, just on the other side of the hills from Oakland at 100 California Shakespeare Theater Way in Orinda.

Get the details and purchase tickets on the Cal Shakes website.