Welcome, fellow travelers and culture enthusiasts! As a content creator passionate about blending travel, culture, history, and experience, I find few places as captivating as the intersection of these elements. The Ashland Oregon Shakespeare Festival (OSF) is a prime example, offering not just world-class theatre but an immersive cultural escape in the charming setting of Southern Oregon. The anticipation for the 2025 season is building, promising a rich tapestry of stories and performances.
What is the Ashland Oregon Shakespeare Festival?
Nestled in the picturesque town of Ashland, Oregon, the Oregon Shakespeare Festival is one of the oldest and largest professional non-profit theatres in the United States. Founded in 1935, OSF presents a rotating repertory of classic and contemporary plays, including works by Shakespeare and other playwrights. It attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors annually, making it a major cultural landmark and a cornerstone of Ashland’s identity.
The festival’s productions take place in three distinct venues: the outdoor Allen Elizabethan Theatre, the proscenium Angus Bowmer Theatre, and the flexible Thomas Theatre. Each space offers a unique viewing experience, contributing to the magic of attending OSF. It’s not just about watching a play; it’s about experiencing theatre in diverse and intimate settings.
The 2025 Season at OSF: A Diverse Offering
The 2025 season at the Ashland Oregon Shakespeare Festival is set to continue its tradition of presenting a varied and compelling lineup. From timeless Shakespearean tragedies and comedies to modern classics and exciting new works, there’s something to engage every theatre lover. The season runs from March through October, offering ample opportunity to plan a visit.
Let’s take a closer look at some of the highlighted productions for 2025, spanning various genres and theatrical styles. The selection reflects OSF’s commitment to exploring the human condition through diverse voices and historical contexts.
Highlights of the 2025 Productions
The Angus Bowmer Theatre will host several notable productions, starting with a classic tragedy.
Julius Caesar by William Shakespeare
Directed by Rosa Joshi and produced in association with upstart crow collective, this production features an all-female and nonbinary cast. Running from March 7 to October 26, 2025, it promises a dynamic, physical exploration of Shakespeare’s famed political thriller. The play delves into themes of power, loyalty, and betrayal as Brutus and Cassius conspire against Caesar, whose triumphant return from war sets the stage for upheaval in Rome.
The Importance of Being Earnest by Oscar Wilde
Oscar Wilde’s sharp comedy of manners gets a fresh setting under the direction of Desdemona Chiang. From March 8 to October 25, 2025, also in the Angus Bowmer Theatre, this production transports the tale to the British Malay Peninsula. The story follows Jack Worthing and Algernon Moncrieff as they navigate Victorian society’s expectations through elaborate deceptions, leading to a hilarious whirlwind of mistaken identities and romantic entanglements.
August Wilson’s Jitney
Directed by OSF’s Artistic Director, Tim Bond, August Wilson’s powerful work runs from March 9 to July 20, 2025, in the Angus Bowmer Theatre. Set in 1977 Pittsburgh, the play centers on an unlicensed taxi station (‘jitney’) serving the Black community. The business faces threats, and tensions rise with the return of the owner’s estranged son, revealing potent secrets and testing the bonds of family and community resilience.
Shane
A West Coast Premiere adapted by Karen Zacarías from Jack Schaefer’s novel, directed by Blake Robison. Running from July 31 to October 25, 2025, at the Angus Bowmer Theatre, Shane is a classic Western. It explores themes of good versus evil, rancher-farmer conflicts, and the arrival of a mysterious stranger. The adaptation promises to widen the lens on the American West in 1889, seen through the eyes of a young boy.
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The Thomas Theatre offers a more intimate experience and features contemporary and adapted works.
Fat Ham by James Ijames
This 2022 Pulitzer Prize-winning play by James Ijames is a “Southern-fried” take on Shakespeare’s Hamlet. Directed by Elizabeth Carter, it runs from March 11 to June 27, 2025. The darkly comedic story follows Juicy, a queer Black man in the South whose life is upended when the ghost of his father demands revenge for his murder during a family barbecue, forcing Juicy to confront complex choices.
As You Like It by William Shakespeare
Lisa Peterson directs this song-filled, 1960s-infused production of Shakespeare’s beloved comedy in the Thomas Theatre from April 16 to October 25, 2025. When Rosalind and her cousin escape to the Forest of Arden disguised, identities are explored and love blossoms in unexpected ways. The play brings together star-crossed lovers, shepherds, and exiles in a magical forest setting where true selves are found.
Quixote Nuevo by Octavio Solis
Directed by Lisa Portes, this modern adaptation by Octavio Solis runs from July 9 to October 24, 2025, in the Thomas Theatre. Set in La Plancha, Texas, the story features a brilliant professor battling dementia who reimagines himself as Don Quixote. He embarks on a journey to find his lost love, encountering border patrol drones and uncovering truths about his past. The play blends Tejano culture and vibrant music in a magical retelling of a classic epic.
The iconic outdoor Allen Elizabethan Theatre provides a unique open-air experience, perfect for large-scale productions and musicals.
The Merry Wives of Windsor by William Shakespeare
Directed by longtime company member Terri McMahon, this production brings Shakespeare’s most domestic comedy to life from May 30 to October 12, 2025. The story follows the down-on-his-luck Sir John Falstaff as he attempts to woo two wealthy married women in Windsor. His schemes quickly backfire as the clever wives turn the tables, leading to hilarious trickery, mistaken identities, and a celebration of community.
Into the Woods
This smash-hit musical with music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim and book by James Lapine is directed and music directed by Amanda Dehnert, with choreography by Ellenore Scott. Running from May 31 to October 11, 2025, in the Allen Elizabethan Theatre, it interweaves classic fairy tales. Characters like Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, and Jack journey into the woods, where wishes come true but often with unforeseen consequences.
Beyond the Stages: The Ashland Experience
Visiting the Ashland Oregon Shakespeare Festival is much more than just attending plays. The town of Ashland itself is a vital part of the experience. Nestled in the Rogue Valley, it’s a charming place known for its vibrant arts scene, beautiful Lithia Park (designed by the same landscape architect as San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park), and burgeoning culinary landscape.
As a traveler who appreciates how food reflects local identity, I find Ashland’s dining scene particularly appealing. You can find everything from farm-to-table restaurants showcasing Southern Oregon’s bounty to cozy cafes and international cuisine, reflecting the town’s diverse community and visitor base. Enjoying a meal outdoors before a show at the Allen Elizabethan Theatre is a quintessential OSF experience.
Planning Your Visit to the Ashland Oregon Shakespeare Festival
If you’re considering a trip for the 2025 season, planning is key. Tickets and accommodations, especially for popular shows and peak times (summer and early fall), can book up quickly. OSF offers various ticketing options, including season passes and single tickets.
Allocate enough time not just for the plays but also to explore Ashland. Wander through Lithia Park, browse the unique shops downtown, visit local art galleries, and savor the local flavors. Southern Oregon also offers opportunities for outdoor activities like hiking, wine tasting in the surrounding valley, or exploring the nearby Cascade Mountains and Rogue River.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- What is the best time to visit the Ashland Oregon Shakespeare Festival?
The season runs from March to October. Summer and early fall (June-September) offer warm weather and the full schedule, including performances in the outdoor Allen Elizabethan Theatre. Spring and late fall are cooler but can offer fewer crowds and potentially lower accommodation prices. - Are the plays only by Shakespeare?
No, while Shakespeare’s works are central to the festival, OSF also presents a significant number of classic and contemporary plays by other playwrights, including musicals and world premieres. - Where are the theatres located?
All three OSF theatres – the Angus Bowmer Theatre, the Thomas Theatre, and the Allen Elizabethan Theatre – are located within a short walking distance of each other in downtown Ashland, making it easy to see multiple shows. - Is Ashland walkable?
Yes, downtown Ashland is very walkable, with the theatres, restaurants, shops, and Lithia Park all easily accessible on foot. - Are there dining options near the theatres?
Absolutely! Ashland has a wide array of restaurants, cafes, and bars within easy walking distance of the theatres, catering to various tastes and budgets.
Conclusion
The Ashland Oregon Shakespeare Festival offers an unparalleled cultural journey, combining the power of live theatre with the beauty and charm of Southern Oregon. The 2025 season promises a captivating lineup that honors tradition while embracing diverse stories and perspectives. Attending OSF is an opportunity to immerse yourself in rich narratives, explore a vibrant artistic community, and create lasting memories in a truly special setting. It’s more than just a theatre trip; it’s an invitation to experience the intersection of culture, community, and the enduring magic of storytelling.