The Winter’s Tale is presented by Antaeus Theatre Company. Written by William Shakespeare. Directed by Elizabeth Swain.
With a minimalistic set, this staging The Winter’s Tale relies on the extraordinary skills of the thespians. Director Elizabeth Swain uses attractive costumes and the talent of her actors to present a story written in the 1600s. The themes, however, resonate with today’s audience in a moving and powerful way. Jealousy, based on facts or hypotheticals, is still a constant in our society, sometimes with deathly consequences.
The casting continues to be a decisive factor for Antaeus Theatre Company to create masterful productions. Actor Adam J. Smith portrays Leontes with passion and a convincing transformation into a man consumed by his inner demons. In a similar manner, he also morphs smoothly into the repented husband, father, and friend that is so eagerly looking for redemption. Ann Noble A Bella Incarceration, as Paulina, is also extraordinary. Strong and funny, she portrays the character that is not afraid to face an enraged Leontes. She speaks her mind, and fiercely opposes Leontes mistreatment of Hermione (Kaci Hamilton).
The combination of experienced actors with younger ones add a balance to the production that introduces Shakespeare to new audiences. The younger actors such as Peter Mendoza (Florizel/Lord I), Shannon Lee Clair (Emilia/Perdita), and Conlan Ledwith (Lord II/Shepherd’s son: Nathan Woodworth) blend effectively with the experienced actors JD Cullum (Autolycus/Lord III), Paul Eiding (Archidamus/Jailer/Old Shepherd), and Geoffrey Wade (Camillo/Mariner).
This staging captures the festive scene of the play combining dance, music, and singing. It adds kinetics and shows the musical skills of the actors, blending brilliantly with the somber aspects of the story.
Swain’s production features prominently the two themes that make this play a powerful and moving story: Jealousy with its lugubrious mood in the first three acts and redemption with a jovial tone in the last two acts. Bringing Hermione back to life is a poignant element used by Shakespeare to talk to the audience at an intimate level. Although impossible, resurrection has been a human desire since the very beginning. Steven Spielberg used it too in A.I. Artificial Intelligence. In The Winter’s Tale, at least for a moment, the impossible becomes possible.
The Winter’s Tale
Antaeus Theatre Company
Kiki & David Gindler Performing Arts Center
110 East Broadway
Glendale, CA 91205
(between N. Brand Blvd. and Artsakh Ave.)
February 4 – March 11, 2024
Tickets: antaeus.org
Written by William Shakespeare. Directed by Elizabeth Swain.
Cast: Shannon Lee Clair, JD Cullum, Paul Eiding, Kaci Hamilton, Sabrina J. Liu, Brian Kim McCormick, Peter Mendoza, Ned Mochel, Ann Noble, Catia Ojeda, Claire Simba, Adam J. Smith, Geoffrey Wade, and Conlan Ledwith.
Scenic Designer: Frederica Nascimento. Costume Designer: Carolyn Mazuca. Lighting Designer: Vickie J. Scott. Sound Designer: Jeff Gardner. Choreographer: Annie Yee. Props Designer: Aaron Lyons. Composer: Donna Cribari. Production Stage Manager: Karen Osborne. Assistant Director/Production Dramaturg: Kaite Brandt. Assistant Stage Manager: Casey Collaso.
