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JUST ANNOUNCED!

2025-2026 SEASON

In exploring the season’s themes, Artistic Director Keath David Hall points to this quote from Shakespeare’s Henry V:
 

“I think the king is but a man, as I am: the violet smells to him as it doth to me: the element shows to him as it doth to me; all his senses have but human conditions: his ceremonies laid by, in his nakedness he appears but a man…”

 
Hall explains, “Power is laid bare this season as we see the veil ripped away on titles like King, Queen, Captain, Knight or Party Leader.  Come join us as we laugh, cry, live and suffer near those who have authority and position over others.”

Performances held at Mesa Arts Center

1984

MESA ARTS CENTER | Nesbitt-Elliott Playhouse

Adapted for the stage by Nick Hern

from the novel by George Orwell

directed by Maren Maclean-Mascarelli

We do not merely destroy our enemies; we change them.

1984, is based on the George Orwell dystopian classic of the same name, published in 1949 and set in a futuristic totalitarian society led by the mysterious Big Brother.  The play is adapted by Nick Hern and explores the manipulation of truth and fear in the pursuit of absolute power, and the way these conditions shape and change human relationships. The protagonist, Winston Smith, works for the inaptly named Ministry of Truth. The play follows Winston’s secret love affair and dreams of rebellion that ultimately lead to capture, interrogation, torture and brainwashing. In the end, he betrays his love and gives in to the Thought Police, embracing the Party’s version of reality. 


Elizabeth I: In Her Own Words

By Carole Levin

Intrigue. Betrayal. Danger.

Elizabeth I: In Her Own Words is a one-woman show written by Carole Levin and performed by Tammy Meneghini that achieved outstanding critical acclaim at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. This tour-de-force performance intertwines the speeches and letters of the Virgin Queen with speeches from the plays of Shakespeare, including Elizabeth’s Tilbury Speech; Richard II speech; Hamlet and others, painting a unique portrait of this remarkable and complex woman. 

MESA ARTS CENTER | Nesbitt-Elliott Playhouse

The Merry Wives of Windsor
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MESA ARTS CENTER | Virginia Piper Repertory Theater

The Merry Wives of Windsor

By William Shakespeare

Directed by Keath Hall

"O powerful love, that in some respects makes a beast a man, in some other, a man a beast."

The Merry Wives of Windsor by William Shakespeare is a farce about seduction, love, jealousy, and playful deception. The lead character, Falstaff, seeks to seduce two well-off married women in pursuit of financial advantage. The women learn of his plans, and work to trick and humiliate him, putting him in a series of embarrassing situations. A love story sub-plot proves the strength of true love and adds comedy and mayhem to the play. Shakespeare’s most lighthearted and jovial show will delight and elate.

MESA ARTS CENTER | Virginia Piper Repertory Theater

Henry V

by William Shakespeare

directed by Breona Conrad

"We few, we happy few, we band of brothers;

For he to-day that sheds his blood with me

Shall be my brother...

Whether framed as patriotic spectacle or anti-war critique, Henry V forces audiences to confront enduring questions about power, identity, and the human cost of ambition—making it a vital, dynamic piece for today’s world. Young and eager to prove himself, Henry claims the French throne, which ultimately leads to him declaring war. Against all odds, and after an exhausting march across France, the outnumbered English army wins victory at the climactic Battle of Agincourt.  In the end, Henry seeks to unite the countries by marrying a French princess, achieving a hopeful final note. This play touches on important questions for veterans and all of us: How do the effects of combat change a person? Will Henry make it out of this war the same person? 

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MESA ARTS CENTER | Farnsworth Studio Theatre

Moby Dick

By Mark Rosenwinkel

Based on the novel by Herman Melville

"...to the last I grapple with thee; from hell's heart I stab at thee; for hate's sake I spit my last breath at thee."

Moby Dick, based on the Herman Melville masterpiece of the same name and adapted by Mark Rosenwinkel, tells a tale of whaling and revenge, but explores deeper messages of obsession, destiny and man’s relationship to nature.  Narrated by the sailor Ishmael, he tells the story of his time upon a ship named Pequod, captained by the intense Captain Ahab. Ahab is obsessed with hunting Moby Dick, a giant white sperm whale that had destroyed Ahab’s prior ship and cost him his leg. The destructive nature of his obsession puts himself and the entire crew at risk. In the dramatic end to Ahab’s chase, we learn whether man or nature prevail. 

Single Ticket Prices

ON SALE NOW!

Mesa Arts Center ALL-IN TICKET PRICING $41.50-$71.50 EXCEPT MOBY DICK

Student, Educator & Senior Discounts available with ID

Plan your visit and learn about our venue partner

Our Venue Partner

Special thanks to our partners here in Mesa, around Arizona, and across the country:

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Shakespeare in American Communities is a program of the National Endowment for the Arts in partnership with

Arts Midwest

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Contact

P.O. Box 30595

Mesa, AZ 85275

​Phone: 480-644-6500
Email: info@swshakespeare.org

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Southwest Shakespeare is a non-profit 501(c)(3) and acknowledges the Native cultures of Arizona, particularly the Hohokam and Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community, whose stewardship and rich heritage on this land we deeply respect and honor.

2025 © Southwest Shakespeare Company, Inc.

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