Shakespeare and the Alchemy of Gender

March 21 – May 4, 2024 Thomas Theatre

Suitability and Accessibility Creative Team Cast The Venue Education Events

A fearless, uplifting, and deeply personal one-person show

Internationally renowned actor and Shakespeare scholar Lisa Wolpe has arguably played more of the Bard’s male roles than any woman in history. From gender explorations to intergenerational trauma to the unforgettable story of her life, Lisa triumphantly illustrates that Shakespeare’s insight into the human condition is as relevant as ever. “Weaving monologues from her favorite male Shakespeare roles with reflections on her family history, Wolpe explores her fascination with upending gender conventions as a way to reclaim power in the face of a traumatic past.” —The New Yorker

Note: The performance will conclude with a 15-minute Closing Ceremony: Conversation with Community, where audience members are invited to ask playwright/performer Lisa Wolpe about the play and engage in conversation about its themes.

(Approximate running time: 55 minutes, plus a 15-minute Closing Ceremony.)

Suitability Suggestions

This lyrical, fearless, and deeply personal one-person show is a quest for gender equality and women’s rights. Lisa Wolpe weaves Shakespeare’s monologues with stories of her family’s traumatic past. The play talks about Holocaust experiences, suicide, drug and alcohol addiction, and sexual and physical abuse while eloquently using Shakespeare’s text to heal and create. The play may be best suited for prepared students able to handle the adult nature of the play.

For additional content warnings regarding violence or graphic depictions that may be upsetting to some audience members, please see our Content Warnings page (may contain spoilers).

Accessibility

The Thomas Theatre is outfitted with an elevator to the theatre level.

The Oregon Shakespeare Festival is committed to accessibility. We recognize the needs of persons with disabilities and strive to make our facilities and productions accessible to all. Please visit our Accessibility page for details about 2024 programs and services as they develop.

Shakespeare and the Alchemy of Gender | Official Trailer

Immerse

A person standing before a dark background pointing out into the distance.

Photo: Shakespeare and the Alchemy of Gender

A person standing before a dark background with their hand covering their heart.

Photo: Shakespeare and the Alchemy of Gender

A person standing before a dark background with their arms held out in discussion.

Photo: Shakespeare and the Alchemy of Gender

A person standing before a dark background with their fist covering their heart.

Photo: Shakespeare and the Alchemy of Gender

A person standing before a dark background with their hands up by their head.

Photo: Shakespeare and the Alchemy of Gender

A person standing before a dark background holding their hands at their stomach.

Photo: Shakespeare and the Alchemy of Gender

A person standing before a dark background smiling out.

Photo: Shakespeare and the Alchemy of Gender

A person standing before a dark background with their hands raised up above their head.

Photo: Shakespeare and the Alchemy of Gender

Playwright’s Notes

Shakespeare and the Alchemy of Gender is dedicated to my father, Hans Max Joachim Wolpe, a German Jew who fought heroically against the Nazis in World War II. His family was arrested and killed at Auschwitz. He shot himself when I was four. This play is an offering to my ancestors.

Shakespeare’s words facilitate the exploration of the mystery of the afterlife, the frailties and consequences of human behavior, and seem to name a cosmic interconnectedness that touches and informs humanity. I’ve woven my own memories together with thoughts about my father’s life, adding fragments of some of my favorite texts from Shakespearean characters, male and female. I’m hoping to generate work that bodies forth empathy, understanding, and remembrance.

Special thanks to Laurie Woolery, who helped me to distill and shape this story with her powerful wisdom and magic. Deep Gratitude to Evren Odcikin, Tim Bond, Rosa Joshi, and the wonderful OSF team—I’m delighted to be back at this fantastic Festival of Shakespeare Lovers, and excited to play!

“If we can build empathy, we can invigorate the purpose of art, which is to create alliances that save lives and offer hope.”