Very proud

Here are some images I have taken over the last couple of performances. It gives you a little feel for the space and the performance, although this is something that needs to be experienced. I am so thankful for all the hard work that EVERYONE has put into this. From the transformation of the space, the routing of power and lighting the space up, the music, to the incredible performances... this has just been so awesome to be a part of. As an artist I really needed this too. This re-fueled me.

Hamlet has been one of the best theatrical experiences of my life. The collaborators, the audience, and the space has made this truly exciting and invigorating. We are finishing up our first week of performances and apart from the sounds of band camp and last night a wedding reception, the evenings have been magical. The audiences didn't seem to be nearly as bothered by the sounds of distant prepubescent drummers (we joked that this was the Union Army approaching) and the electric slide as I was. The show is engrossing enough because of the beautiful music of Virgineola, the performances of our actors, the beautiful lighting, and the stunning scenery that the far away sounds disappeared for the audience.

What has also been really exciting is that audience members are coming back or are planning on coming back to see the show again. We had a family and a couple come on Friday night and then they returned to see the show again last night. I was so moved by this. I also love that each night I sit with Sally, Dan, and Krista and watch the show from the booth and the top of the hill. I don't think we are getting tired of watching it. I very often put a show up and like to walk away because there isn't much else for me to do and the stress of watching a show can be difficult for a director because of hyper sensitivity to mistakes. I don't feel that with this. I want to watch the work unfold and God does Shakespeare know how to write a play...

So please, join us. Join us more than once. I am so proud of everyone involved and so proud of this show. You won't be disappointed.

Geoffrey Kershner

Artistic Director