2024-2025 Season
Journeys of Discovery
Southwest Shakespeare Company presents its 2024-2025 season with five new takes on classic stories taking us on a Journey from India to London to the rocky seacoast of magical Illyria. Join us from October through April and discover these tales of growth, renewal, and even in the face of tragedy---the blossoming of the human spirit.
Performances held at Mesa Arts Center and Taliesin West
OCTOBER 12-27, 2024 | 90-minutes, no intermission
MESA ARTS CENTER | Nesbitt-Elliott Playhouse
Twelfth Night
By William Shakespeare
Directed by Amie Bjorklund
What does it take to find your true self amidst chaos?
As famous in its title as for a certain pair of yellow stockings, dive into the enchanting world of Illyria in Shakespeare's TWELFTH NIGHT. This rollicking comedy of mistaken identities and unrequited love explores a journey of self-discovery as Viola disguises herself as a man, leading to a whirlwind of confusion and romance. Get ready for a new production of this comedy favorite filled with wit, humor, and the timeless question of what it means to truly know oneself.
NOVEMBER 22-24, 2024 | Limited Engagement | 75 Minutes, no intermission
MESA ARTS CENTER | Nesbitt-Elliott Playhouse
A Christmas Carol for Two Actors
Adapted by Grant Mudge from the novel by Charles Dickens
Directed by Maren Maclean from the novel by Charles Dickens
Can two actors bring a Dickensian Christmas to life?
Something is different about Scrooge tonight. Experience the magic of Charles Dickens' classic tale like never before in this innovative adaptation which brings the story of Ebenezer Scrooge to the stage with dazzling creativity and heartwarming performances. Watch as Scrooge embarks on a profound journey of self-discovery, transforming from a miser to a man who understands the true spirit of Christmas. And all in a perfectly compact 75 minutes! God Bless Us, Everyone!
FEBRUARY 8-23, 2025 | 2 hours (Including one 15-minute intermission)
MESA ARTS CENTER | Virginia Piper Repertory Theater
Romeo and Juliet
By William Shakespeare
Directed by Deshik Vansadia and Grant Mudge
What if the world's most tragic love story was set against one of history's greatest divides?
Shakespeare's ROMEO AND JULIET finds new life in Gujarat, India, during the time of partition. Verona becomes an Indian city filled with color, tradition, and violence. The Montagues and Capulets become Hindu and Muslim, respectively, highlighting the timeless and universal struggle of love in the face of societal division. In a city beside the Arabian Sea, this poignant retelling examines identity, cultural conflict, and the pursuit of an independent life through the eyes of two star-crossed lovers. Deshik Vansadia, artistic director of The Shakespeare Theatre of India joins our own Grant Mudge in directing this once-in-a-lifetime experience.
MARCH 14-23, 2024 | 90 mins (On tour, abridgment available). No Intermission
TALIESIN WEST | Music Pavilion
The Merchant
of Venice
By William Shakespeare
Directed by Beau Heckman
How far would you go to uphold your values and seek justice?
Shakespeare's THE MERCHANT OF VENICE delves deep into themes of mercy, justice, and self-discovery. Witness the complex interplay between Shylock, Antonio, and Portia as they navigate a world of contractual obligations and moral dilemmas. The lines between justice and revenge blur as this production challenges audiences to reflect on their own beliefs and the lengths they would go to defend them. “All that glisters is not gold…”
APRIL 4-14, 2025 | 90 minutes
TALIESIN WEST | Music Pavilion
The Secret Garden
Adapted and directed by James Couger Canfield
from the novel by Frances Hodgson Burnett
Can the power of nature unlock the secrets of the human heart?
Mary Lennox is a spoiled brat. She’s loud, and too smart for her own good. In this new adaptation from the adapter and star of our sold-out hit LADIES IN WAITING: THE JUDGMENT OF HENRY VIII from a few seasons back, this wonderfully creative new adaptation THE SECRET GARDEN tells the story of young Mary Lennox as she is sent to live in her estranged uncle’s spooky house where she discovers a hidden, magical garden. This transformative journey brings Mary from sorrow to joy, teaching her—and the audience—about the healing power of nature and the process of self-discovery inherent in helping others.
Single Ticket Prices
Mesa Arts Center prices start at $51.50
Taliesin West prices start at $46.50
Student, Educator & Senior Discounts available with ID
Plan your visit and learn about our venues!
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Our Venue Partners
Special thanks to our partners here in Mesa, around Arizona, and across the country:
