It’s summertime and the South Whidbey neighborhood comes alive in showcasing world-class talent from across the nation. Island Shakespeare Festival shows up in the backyard of the old South Whidbey Primary School (yes, where I went to grade school) to give a spectacle for the senses. This year prepare to be regaled into laughter or touched by tearful laments. You’ll be moved either way by the atmosphere of Shakespeare a la fresca.

The festival runs approximately two months in summer, with shows starting mid July and ending the last weekend of August. Island Shakespeare’s model of “pay what you will” makes theatre accessible to everyone at any economic status. Of course, with this model it also means they highly rely on donors and grant funding to keep the show growing more fabulous each and every year.

This year’s program brings together popular classic Much Ado About Nothing, the classic Shakespeare comedy and lesser-known play Anima (Her Soul) written by feminist Amelia Pincherle Rosselli. As they enter their final weekend of the show I can’t help but feel moved by both. I’m a repeat audience member because I enjoy and resonate with their mission: ignite the power of accessible classical theatre to build empathy and connection.

“We’ve always been of and for, our community and interested in community conversations, building empathy in our realm, in our audience, and love the ripple effect that that can have.” – Olena, Executive Director and Olga in Anima.

The overarching theme of this year has women in the forefront regaining their power. Seems all too relevant, no? Both Much Ado and Anima approach this concept of resilience and purity of the soul. While both works are nearly centuries apart, it illustrates the problematic “female object” as omnipresent.

On the surface, the plays could not be more different. Much Ado is witty, fast-paced, and brimming with identity crises, gossip, and salacious sparring between Beatrice and Benedick. Yet beneath the comedy lies a serious exploration of women’s reputations and holding space in the patriarchy. Hero’s public shaming and Beatrice’s plea: “O that I were a man” still resonate today as a cry for women’s agency.

Anima (Her Soul), by contrast, is more contemplative, but no less powerful. Written in the early 20th century, Rosselli’s work reflects both her feminist convictions and her lived experience as a woman navigating the social turmoil of her time. The play examines the purity of body and soul and the perception of where true virginity lies. Where Shakespeare situates his women within a social comedy, Rosselli asks us to consider autonomy at a deeper level: what does it mean for women to claim their full humanity beyond the confines of status quo? 

“We took a really slow, healthy approach to telling this story and I love telling it every night. It’s an honor to bring this play to life.” – Brandon, who played Giorgio in Anima.

If you’re not very familiar with Shakespeare, hath no fear! Certain shows allow for early entry in their “Shakes and Bakes” program where audience members can learn more about the themes and language of the show, while enjoying a slice of Whidbey Pie. Everything in the concessions tent is locally sourced courtesy of ISF Board Member Emily Wilder, owner of Eat Salinity Seafood and More who merchandises the infamous “Henry the Tent” lobby area.

The festival also partners with rePurpose, Whidbey’s grassroots zero waste group with the mission to limit waste generated from everyday consumption. The entertainment industry is notorious for waste generation and ISF is committed to keeping their footprint out of that statistic. So with the mission to be accessible to all, keep our occupied lands clean, and to spread art throughout the community… join the audience and prepare to be inspired.

Watch interviews with the cast and audience members here.

Thank you Langley Visual Design Services by Andrey Psyche for video production.