Welcome to The Nora‘s 2011-2012 season, a season of remarkable women from the worlds of Shakespeare, ancient Middle-Eastern folk tales, and 20th century scientific discovery. First up in this exciting trio of plays: Women of Will by Tina Packer, a performance of which you are about to experience today.
When I first learned that Shakespeare & Company would present Women of Will: The Complete Journey in the summer of 2010, I knew I had to see it. A sojourn into the canon of Shakespeare to engage in “an exploration of the feminine spirit” with Tina — someone who during her entire artistic life has been studying, acting, reading, researching, and directing Shakespeare — this was an opportunity not to be missed! The fact that The Complete Journey comprised five parts, each one a complete, full-length performance in itself, added to the sense that I was about to embark on a great adventure.
Tina and company did not disappoint. After witnessing these enthralling five performances over three days, I emerged bowled over by the sheer magnitude of the project and exhilarated by the illuminating ideas presented. And whether you are here for The Overview or The Complete Journey, I expect that you, too, will believe you are part of a rare and magnificent theatrical experience.
For the chance to present Women of Will, we have many remarkable women, and men, to thank: to begin, William Shakespeare himself, whose insights into the workings of human nature will continue to enlighten us for years to come; the dynamic team of designers who created just the right environment for this unique work; Nigel Gore, Tina’s superb acting partner; and Eric Tucker whose dedicated and perceptive work extends beyond directing and into the final shaping of the piece itself. Finally, a big thank you to Tina Packer who had the audacious idea that by taking a look at the progression of Shakespeare’s women, we might also take a new look at ourselves and find ways to change the world for the better.