The College of the Canyons theatre department will present its production of William Shakespeare’s tragicomedy “The Winter’s Tale” beginning Friday, Nov. 11, at the Black Box Theater.

Directed by Stephen Whelan, the five-act play focuses on irrational jealousy, redemption, and love. The play also explores the redemptive world of nature and the magical power of art.

“We have actors of every level in this show, from current COC theatre majors, to students performing in their first Shakespearean play,” said Whelan. “I am indebted to all of them for their hard work, talent and passion.”

When Leontes, King of Sicilia suspects that his pregnant wife, Queen Hermione, has committed adultery with Polixenes, King of Bohemia, he sends her to prison.

“The themes and characters in Shakespeare continue to be timely for us today,” said Whelan. “’The Winter’s Tale’ opens with a tyrant, jealousy, and wrongful persecution. By the end of the play we come to reconciliation, redemption, and forgiveness.”

Widely believed to be the last play penned by the Bard, “The Winter’s Tale” was first performed in 1611 and was originally published in Shakespeare’s First Folio in 1623.

Performances are scheduled 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Nov. 11 and 12, and 18 and 19; matinees are scheduled 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 13 and 20.

The cast and crew is comprised solely of College of the Canyons theatre students.

General admission tickets are $10. Tickets for students and seniors are $5.

For more information or to purchase tickets, contact the box office at (661) 362-5304 or visit www.canyonsPAC.com.

About the COC Theatre Department
Part of the college’s School of Visual and Performing Arts, the Theatre Department offers a highly regarded transfer program with three degree options available to students in the field. Students interested in attending a performance or learning more about the program are encouraged to send an email to theatre@canyons.edu.

For more information, visit www.canyons.edu/departments/theatre or check the COC theatre Facebook page at www.facebook.com/COCTheatreDept .