ashland: a shakespeare play

by Melissa Toomey

Aliena, a brilliant street musician, arrives in Ashland, Oregon in search of her mentally ill and homeless estranged father who has a gift for music/magic, and a Shakespeare obsession. Disguised for protection, her efforts to find him—and a home for herself—are complicated by the growing police crackdown on homelessness, and the volatile spirits she has inherited.

A play about street musicians, Shakespeare,...

Aliena, a brilliant street musician, arrives in Ashland, Oregon in search of her mentally ill and homeless estranged father who has a gift for music/magic, and a Shakespeare obsession. Disguised for protection, her efforts to find him—and a home for herself—are complicated by the growing police crackdown on homelessness, and the volatile spirits she has inherited.

A play about street musicians, Shakespeare, "the homeless problem," and what it means to look for home in all the wrong people.

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ashland: a shakespeare play

Recommended by

  • Lainie Vansant: ashland: a shakespeare play by Melissa Toomey
    “

    This play takes a nuanced look at a variety of complex issues, including art, family, and homelessness. It stays focused on the humanity of its characters and the elevated reality that come to life through both Shakespeare and music. This is a truly unique piece - don't miss it!

    This play takes a nuanced look at a variety of complex issues, including art, family, and homelessness. It stays focused on the humanity of its characters and the elevated reality that come to life through both Shakespeare and music. This is a truly unique piece - don't miss it!

    ”
  • Premiere Stages: ashland: a shakespeare play by Melissa Toomey
    “

    Premiere Stages, the professional Equity theatre in residence at Kean University, is pleased to recognize ASHLAND: A SHAKESPEARE PLAY by Melissa Toomey as a Semi-Finalist for the 2022 Premiere Play Festival. ASHLAND: A SHAKESPEARE PLAY rose through a competitive selection process conducted by Premiere staff and a panel of outside theatre professionals to become one of 35 semifinalists out of 655 submissions. The panel was particularly impressed by the play’s bold, inventive use of space and its dynamic characters’ nuanced interactions. Our congratulations and thanks to Melissa.

    Premiere Stages, the professional Equity theatre in residence at Kean University, is pleased to recognize ASHLAND: A SHAKESPEARE PLAY by Melissa Toomey as a Semi-Finalist for the 2022 Premiere Play Festival. ASHLAND: A SHAKESPEARE PLAY rose through a competitive selection process conducted by Premiere staff and a panel of outside theatre professionals to become one of 35 semifinalists out of 655 submissions. The panel was particularly impressed by the play’s bold, inventive use of space and its dynamic characters’ nuanced interactions. Our congratulations and thanks to Melissa.

    ”

Character Information

Harley, Skye, and Daniel can be doubled if required.
  • Aliena
    A Shakespearean heroine. Brilliant street musician, Juilliard dropout, disguised as a boy. Plays guitar. Maybe kinda gutter punk. Some gender fluidity.
    20s
    Any
    Female (some gender fluidity)
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s
  • Harley
    A rookie cop. Rural. Not a bad guy. Not a great guy. Lonely.
    20s
    Any
    Male
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Male
  • Skye
    Pretty hippie boy. An aerie spirit. Plays fiddle.
    20s
    Any
    Male
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Male
  • Daniel
    A Shakespearean actor. Lame.
    20s
    Any
    Male
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Male
  • Tobias
    The Fool. The Wise Man. Goes between multiple realities. Homeless.
    Any age
    Any
    Male
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s,
      40s,
      50s,
      60s,
      70s+
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Male
  • Lenny
    Brilliant street musician. Rubber tramp/homeless. Leprechaun. Sorcerer. Plays Irish Bouzouki. Goes between multiple realities. He is the OLD MAN.
    50s-60s
    Any
    Male
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      50s,
      60s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      White
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Male

Production History

  • Workshop, The Actor's Studio, 2023
  • Workshop, The Tank, 2023

Awards

  • Valdez Theatre Conference
    Finalist
    2022
  • Premiere Stages Play Festival
    Premiere Stages
    Semi-Finalist
    2022