In pursuit of a major literary sensation, two obsessive modern-day scholars piece together the volatile and passionate events that took place centuries earlier. Set in a sprawling English country house, Arcadia moves between the 19th century and the present through a series of love stories, as characters from both eras discover connections, unearth mysteries, and unravel hidden truths about the nature of heat and desire. Filled with gorgeous language—and brimming with romance—Arcadia is “the perfect blend of brains and emotion, wit and heartache” (The New York Times).
"Stoppard's richest, most ravishing comedy" —The New York Times
"Profound, mercilessly funny, and moving" —San Francisco Chronicle
"An enchantment" —Variety
InterACT Events Splashy parties, lively discussions, and more—all free with your ticket.*
Prologue
May 21, 5:30 p.m.
Before the curtain goes up, get behind the artistic process at this fascinating preshow discussion with the director and artistic staff.
Theater on the Couch
May 24, 8 p.m.
Following the show, discuss the minds, motives, and behaviors of the characters with Dr. Mason Turner, chief of psychiatry at San Francisco’s Kaiser Permanente Medical Center.
Audience Exchanges
May 28, 7 p.m.
June 2, 2 p.m.
June 5, 2 p.m.
Learn firsthand what goes into the making of great theater. After the show, join us for a lively onstage chat with the actors, designers, and artists who develop the work onstage.
OUT with A.C.T.
May 29, 8 p.m.
The best LGBT night in town! Mingle with the cast and fellow theatergoers while enjoying free drinks and treats at this popular afterparty.
Wine Series NEW!
June 4, 7 p.m.
Before the show, raise a glass at this wine tasting event featuring unique wines from The Barrel Room, a popular wine bar located in Union Square.
PlayTime NEW!
June 8, 12:30 p.m.
Before this matinee performance, get hands-on with theater with the artists who make it happen at this interactive workshop.
*Most events are free for ticket holders. Please note that performance times vary.
Bike to the Theater Nights
Join us for Bike to the Theater Nights on May 16 and May 23! When you bike to the theater for one of these performances, you'll enjoy a special discount on tickets and free valet bike parking.
In partnership with the San Francisco Bicycle Coalition (SFBC), A.C.T. will host Bike to the Theater Night on May 16 and May 23. The SFBC will offer free valet bike parking, and patrons who bike to the theater will receive a special discount on tickets for that evening's performance ($35 Orchestra, $25 Mezzanine, and $10 Balcony,using code ARCADIASFBC online or by phone). Valet bike parking will be available one hour prior to curtain. Bicycles will be watched throughout the evening by an attendant. Patrons are asked to bring their own locks. To learn more about the SFBC, visit www.sfbike.org.
*Special offer: Cyclists attending Arcadia on May 16 are invited to join A.C.T., the SF Bike Coalition, and Sports Basement for a special happy hour before the show! Join us at A.C.T.'s Sky Bar (inside the Geary Theater) from 7-8 p.m. for $2 beer and complimentary snacks.*
* Member of Actors' Equity Association, the union of professional actors and stage managers in the United States
† Member of the A.C.T. Master of Fine Arts Program class of 2013 and an Equity Professional Theater Intern
Insight into the Play, the Playwright, and the Production
Each entertaining and informative issue of Words on Plays, A.C.T.'s in-depth performance guide series, contains a synopsis, advance program notes, study questions, and additional background information about the historical and cultural context of the play.
Words on Plays is available for purchase in the lobby of the theater during performances or online ($10 each + postage and handling or $5 each for the electronic edition). For more information about how to subscribe to a full or partial season, click here.
Words on Plays Prepared by
Dan Rubin, Editor
Elizabeth Brodersen, Director of Education
Michael Paller, Resident Dramaturg
Cait Robinson, Publications Fellow
Table of Contents
1.
Characters, Cast, and Synopsis of Arcadia
6.
Every Beautiful Thread A Conversation with Arcadia Director Carey Perloff by Michael Paller
14.
Bringing the Wild In An Interview with Scenic Designer Douglas W. Schmidt by Cait Robinson
18.
Balancing Silhouettes An Interview with Costume Designer Alex Jaeger by Cait Robinson
22.
A Brief Biography of Tom Stoppard by Dan Rubin
25.
Chaos in Arcadia by Elizabeth Brodersen
30.
Geometry and the Garden by John Barrell
33.
Romanticism: Free and Individual by Michael Paller
38.
Lord Byron: A Life Well Lived by Margo Whitcomb
44.
An Arcadia Glossary
57.
Arcadia Correspondence Between Carey Perloff and Tom Stoppard for A.C.T.'s 1995 Production
60.
Questions to Consider / For Further Information . . .
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Arcadia Costume Designs by Alex Jaeger
Want to learn more about the costumes? Read our interview with Costume Designer Alex Jaeger! Click on the Words on Plays tab to read the article.
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May 16–June 9, 2013
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