The Mosesian Center for the Arts will once again have a resident company when the Actors’ Shakespeare Project moves in this fall.
The theater company’s inaugural event at the MCA will be Refresh, a celebration of ASP and a preview of the season, which includes plays by three giants of stage and literature: Jane Austen, August Wilson, and William Shakespeare. See more information and get tickets here.
ASP’s Move to Watertown
Over the past two decades, Actors’ Shakespeare Project has performed every one of Shakespeare’s plays, as well as works by Wilson, Chekhov, and Greek tragedies. The company has put on performances in 30 different venues around Greater Boston, from The Old South Meeting House to the Boston Center for the Arts to the Arnold Arboretum.
The discussion about ASP partnering with the Mosesian Center began a few years ago, said Evan Turissini, ASP’s Director of Marketing & Communications.
“A few years back we had gotten in contact with Darren Farrington, the Executive Director at Mosesian, about producing a show there. The right show and time never lined up, but we kept in touch,” Turissini said. “When New Repertory Theatre ceased operations in 2023, it became clear that a larger partnership might be advantageous for both sides.”
The area also has a lot to offer ASP and its audiences, Turissini said.
“It’s really exciting to be moving to this part of Watertown when it feels like Arsenal Yards is really booming — we feel like we can be a part of this renaissance,” he said. “All these amazing new restaurants in the area are going to love having dozens of hungry Shakespeare lovers come by before and after our performances. We’ve already received such a warm welcome from the local arts community and we’re thrilled to continue deepening our roots in the area.”
2024-25 Season
ASP’s Artistic Director, Christopher V. Edwards looks forward to the company’s 21st season.
“As we commemorate ASP’s 20th Anniversary this October – marking two decades since our first performance of Richard III at the Old South Meeting House in 2004 – we know these three productions will display what our company does best,” Edwards said. “I’m excited to be working alongside my long-time colleagues Regine Vital and Maurice Parent in celebrating and challenging the place of these plays among the literary canon.”
In November 2024, Actors’ Shakespeare Project kicks off the season with Kate Hamill’s adaptation of Jane Austen’s “Emma.” The play will be directed by ASP Associate Producer Regine Vital and staged at The Multicultural Arts Center in East Cambridge.
In January 2025, ASP continues its partnership with Roxbury’s Hibernian Hall in bringing the American Century Cycle of August Wilson to Roxbury. Following the runaway success of “Seven Guitars” and “King Hedley II”, ASP Artistic Director Christopher V. Edwards will helm Wilson’s Pulitzer Prize-winning epic “The Piano Lesson.”
In April 2025, Actors’ Shakespeare Project will put on its first production in Watertown with “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.” Elliot Norton Award-winning director and ASP Resident Artist Maurice Emmanuel Parent’s has an invigorating new take on one of Shakespeare’s most beloved comedies.
Tickets for all performances range from $59 to $64, with a limited allotment of $20 tickets for all
performances, subject to availability. Student tickets are $25, available for any patron ages 25 and under. Discount tickets are also available through the EBT Card to Culture program, presented through Mass Cultural Council.
Tickets are available for individual plays and for the season.
“Single tickets for each production generally go on-sale about two months before each show, but people can get our best prices of the year by signing up for one of our flexible membership packages! Your readers can activate our Early Bird Savings with promo code WATERTOWNNEWS,” Turissini said.
Memberships are available starting at $165, with early bird pricing as low as $150. For more
information, visit www.ActorsShakespeareProject.org.
What great news. I do enjoy the current offerings at the Mossessian Center but miss the New Rep. I have attended a number of the Shakepeare Project at different venues– great news that the Shakespeare Project has such a great home. Looking forward to 2024-2025.
This is a great development. ASP is a quality company. But the City of Watertown must give them support, both in resources and services so they thrive here. It is necessary to nurture cultural assets.
I’m thrilled by the news, but not sure I agree on the town’s role. The theater company itself, along with the dining options at The Arsenal, should create an audience. And parking. I know I’ll take out a subscription in support.