Theater Stages Ibsen, Shakespeare

The highly visual and unconventional Lit Moon Theatre Company, led by Westmont Professor John Blondell, offers four sets of local performances at various venues, including a world premiere of Henrik Ibsen’s “A Doll House” paired with a rock ‘n’ roll inspired “Julius Caesar.” “A Doll House” will be performed Aug. 24-25, 30, and Sept. 1 at 7:30 p.m.; and Sept. 2 at 4 p.m., all at the Center Stage Theater. “Julius Caesar” takes to the stage Aug. 31 at 7:30 p.m. and Sept. 1 at 2 p.m. at Center Stage Theater. Tickets cost $23 general admission; $18 for students, seniors and children. For more information, please visit centerstage.org or call (805) 963-0408.

“A Doll House” explores marriage, family, sex and money, and features the character Nora, one of theater’s greatest female roles. “This contemporary production addresses questions of marriage, equality, money and the law,” Blondell says. “Though written in 1879, these issues are still apt right now, right here in Santa Barbara.

Lit Moon’s politically-charged production of William Shakespeare’s “Julius Caesar” reveals parallels between power struggles in ancient Rome and today’s America. Blondell staged his production locally in May 2016 and then performed it at the Bitola Shakespeare Festival in Macedonia later that summer. Iconic American rock and roll songs are performed live, along with original music is by James Connolly.

Westmont faculty Jonathan Hicks, technical director, and Mitchell Thomas, professor of theatre arts, as well as several alumni are involved with both productions.