Storms, betrayal, and revenge are in the air, but so are enchantment, love, and even redemption in Naked Shakes’ new production of “The Tempest,” presented in three outdoor performances in Elings Park’s Godric Grove, held Thursday and Friday, September 11 and 12 at 5 p.m. and Sunday, September 14 at 3 p.m.
Advance general admission tickets are $17 for adults, $13 for teens and seniors, and free for children under 12. They are available online at www.elingspark.org. Parking is limited and $6 per vehicle. Cushions are available for rent for $10. Tickets will be sold at the door as available, at $20 for adults and $15 for teens and seniors.
Currently celebrating its 20th season, the acclaimed UCSB ensemble presents a new production in its hallmark style of raw, energetic Shakespeare based on the power of the actors and the language of the Bard.
Irwin Appel’s staging is an innovative visual feast, filled with movement and choreography by Christina McCarthy, and an original score composed and performed live by Jim Connolly.
The new collaboration between the theater company and venue was honored with a 2025 “Indy Award” for bringing al fresco Shakespeare to Elings Park last summer, with a celebrated production of “Much Ado About Nothing.” Last year’s shows were so popular that a third performance, on Thursday night, was added this summer.
“Naked” refers to the company’s signature style of using minimal props and costumes to focus on the Bard’s brilliant words.
The company not only performs on campus but has also appeared at Italy’s Verona Shakespeare Fringe Festival, Southwest Shakespeare Company at Taliesin West (Scottsdale, Arizona), Shakespeare Center of Los Angeles, Westmont College, and Center Stage Theater in downtown Santa Barbara. Visit www.theaterdance.ucsb.edu/performance-programs/naked-shakes.
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