Mesa, AZ -- Southwest Shakespeare Company, the Phoenix area’s only classical theatre company, on May 1st, announced its shows for the 2025-2026 season.  The varied and relevant season will explore themes of power, deception, fear and obsession--how they control us or are tools wielded to control others. All announced shows are being performed at Mesa Arts Center, Southwest Shakespeare’s home venue, although a few performances, a bonus show and other experiences may be offered at satellite locations (TBA). Tickets and Bard Card subscriptions will go on sale on Friday, May 9. Links to ticket sales and more details can be found at swshakespeare.org.

In exploring the season’s themes, Artistic Director Keath David Hall points to this quote from Shakespeare’s Henry V:

“I think the king is but a man, as I am: the violet smells to him as it doth to me: the element shows to him as it doth to me; all his senses have but human conditions: his ceremonies laid by, in his nakedness he appears but a man…”

Hall explains, “Power is laid bare this season as we see the veil ripped away on titles like King, Queen, Captain, Knight or Party Leader.  Come join us as we laugh, cry, live and suffer near those who have authority and position over others.”

MAINSTAGE PRODUCTIONS

OCTOBER 11-26, 2025, Nesbitt-Elliott Playhouse, Mesa Arts Center

1984 will be performed in repertory with Elizabeth I: In Her Own Words.

1984, is based on the George Orwell dystopian classic of the same name, published in 1949 and set in a futuristic totalitarian society led by the mysterious Big Brother.  The play is adapted by Nick Hern and explores the manipulation of truth and fear in the pursuit of absolute power, and the way these conditions shape and change human relationships. The protagonist, Winston Smith, works for the inaptly named Ministry of Truth. The play follows Winston’s secret love affair and dreams of rebellion that ultimately lead to capture, interrogation, torture and brainwashing. In the end, he betrays his love and gives in to the Thought Police, embracing the Party’s version of reality.

Elizabeth I: In Her Own Words is a one-woman show written by Carole Levin and performed by Tammy Meneghini that achieved outstanding critical acclaim at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. This tour-de-force performance intertwines the speeches and letters of the Virgin Queen with speeches from the plays of Shakespeare, including Elizabeth’s Tilbury Speech; Richard II speech; Hamlet and others, painting a unique portrait of this remarkable and complex woman.

FEBRUARY 7-22, 2026, Piper Theater, Mesa Arts Center

The Merry Wives of Windsor will be performed in repertory with Henry V.

The Merry Wives of Windsor by William Shakespeare is a farce about seduction, love, jealousy, and playful deception. The lead character, Falstaff, seeks to seduce two well-off married women in pursuit of financial advantage. The women learn of his plans, and work to trick and humiliate him, putting him in a series of embarrassing situations. A love story sub-plot proves the strength of true love and adds comedy and mayhem to the play. Shakespeare’s most lighthearted and jovial show will delight and elate.

Henry V by William Shakespeare--Whether framed as patriotic spectacle or anti-war critique, Henry V forces audiences to confront enduring questions about power, identity, and the human cost of ambition—making it a vital, dynamic piece for today’s world. Young and eager to prove himself, Henry claims the French throne, which ultimately leads to him declaring war. Against all odds, and after an exhausting march across France, the outnumbered English army wins victory at the climactic Battle of Agincourt.  In the end, Henry seeks to unite the countries by marrying a French princess, achieving a hopeful final note. This play touches on important questions for veterans and all of us: How do the effects of combat change a person? Will Henry make it out of this war the same person?

MARCH 20-APRIL 4, 2026, Farnsworth Studio Theater, Mesa Arts Center

Moby Dick, based on the Herman Melville masterpiece of the same name and adapted by Mark Rosenwinkel, tells a tale of whaling and revenge, but explores deeper messages of obsession, destiny and man’s relationship to nature.  Narrated by the sailor Ishmael, he tells the story of his time upon a ship named Pequod, captained by the intense Captain Ahab. Ahab is obsessed with hunting Moby Dick, a giant white sperm whale that had destroyed Ahab’s prior ship and cost him his leg. The destructive nature of his obsession puts himself and the entire crew at risk. In the dramatic end to Ahab’s chase, we learn whether man or nature prevail.

BONUS SHOW

Title and location to be announced, a fun addition to the season for production in late spring!

FLACHMANN SEMINARS

Dramaturg Dr. Susan Willis and other scholars and practitioners provide in-depth analysis of the intricate nuances within Shakespeare’s plays and the complex messaging and history of the masterpieces from George Orwell and Herman Melville.

Saturdays: October 11, February 7, March 21, and for the Bonus Show in late spring (TBA) 

9AM-Noon, Mesa Arts Center

Location: Dobson Lecture Hall at Mesa Arts Center

TICKET AND SUBSCRIPTION ORDERS

TICKETS

For links to order single tickets beginning May 9 visit SWSHAKESPEARE.ORG

BARD CARD FLEX SUBSCRIPTIONS

New Bard Card Members Early Bird Pricing available May 9 - May 23 for only $345 per card

Bard Card Regular Pricing (AFTER Early Bird) starts May 24 for $370 per card

BARD CARD BENEFITS:

    Save more than $200 when purchasing a new Bard Card

    6 Premium tickets for any show or combination of shows of your choice (at Mesa Arts Center or venue TBA)

    Upon renewal, have the opportunity to select seats for shows before they go on sale to the General Public

    Fast and Easy exchanges

    One Ticket to each of the four (4) Flachmann Seminars

    Only Bard Card members receive 50% off purchase of additional show tickets

    Early invitation to special events, and other surprise opportunities

    Free wine and cheese reception with the Artistic Director and at least one new play reading.