Michael Chekhov Theatre Festival

The 10th anniversary Michael Chekhov Theater Festival announces this year’s line-up of unique and groundbreaking performances. The festival prides itself on bringing the best theater experience celebrating Ridgefield’s connection to Michael Chekhov. The 2018 season proves to be the best to date.

The festival’s first weekend includes free Shakespeare, HAMLET, in Ballard Park on Saturday, September 22nd at 5 PM. Performed by The Drilling Company, this modern adaptation features a woman, actor Jane Bradley, in the title role. The Drilling Company is responsible for the Shakespeare performed in Manhattan’s Bryant Park.

During Columbus weekend, the festival’s indoor shows will be performed at the Ridgefield Theater Barn at 37 Halpin Lane. On the evening of Friday October 5th, at 8PM, a one-woman show, FANCIFOOL will be performed by Ananda Bena Weber. This is a hilarious, heartwarming, thought-provoking show about love which features dancing, singing, mime, clowning and edgy social commentary.

At 2 PM on Saturday, October 6th, New Haven’s Collective Consciousness Theatre will present a reading of THE CAPTIVES, a gripping play about capital punishment. Later on Saturday at 8PM, the festival will present THE INTIMACY EFFECT. This play reveals a family and the turns their relationships take after a stranger’s allegations. It proves to be comedy that is too close for comfort.

Founded in 2009, the festival celebrates the legacy of Michael Chekhov, the actor, director and author, who made a profound contribution to the life of the stage and film. He became a part of Ridgefield’s heritage when he moved his world-renowned dramatic art school from England in 1939 to the barn that still stands on North Salem Road. Later he coached many Hollywood greats including Anthony Quinn, Marilyn Monroe, Clint Eastwood, Gregory Peck and Beatrice Straight.

Tickets are priced at $25 for individual shows and $50 for a festival weekend pass. To purchase tickets and more information go to ChekhovFestival.com