Thin Air Shakespeare in the Park: Free Outdoor Shakespeare Returns to Jackson for 6th Anniversary

Off Square Theatre Company is pleased to celebrate the 6th Anniversary of Thin
Air Shakespeare with a presentation of Macbeth. The production is July 6-8 and 13-15 in the
Amphitheater at the Center for the Arts.
Thin Air Shakespeare blends the best in professional theatre with the community’s love of the
outdoors, creating an accessible experience of theatre. Shakespeare’s most feared and popular
tragedy, Macbeth spins a tale of magic, destiny, betrayal, and ambition as we watch the timeless
push and pull of one of the most powerful couples in literary history. The lawn will open for
picnicking and pre-show entertainment at 6:30pm each night, with the show beginning at
7:30pm. Audiences are encouraged to bring their own blanket and picnic. Additionally, we are
pleased to announce that for the first time, we will have dual American Sign Language
interpreters during our July 7th performance.
“It is energizing to see the impact that the arts are making throughout the United States. These
NEA-supported projects, such as this one by Off Square Theatre Company, are good examples of
how the arts build stronger and more vibrant communities, improve well-being, prepare our
children to succeed, and increase the quality of our lives,” said NEA Chairman Jane Chu. “At the
National Endowment for the Arts, we believe that all people should have access to the joy,
opportunities and connections the arts bring.”
Prior to opening night, the public is invited to join us for ScripTease on July 1st at 5:00pm in the
Conference Room at the Center for the Arts. Dr. Karin Waidley will lead a discussion on Jo
Nesbo’s new book, Macbeth, published by Hogarth Shakespeare Press.
Local performers include Jamie Reilly, Kelsey Johnson, Craig Kirkpatrick, Maddie Haws, Jason
Ruff, Henry Eden and local students Mila Berry and Dillon Hanna. Guest artists include Luis
Kelly-Duarte in the role of Macbeth, Christina Okolo as Lady Macbeth, stuntman and fight
choreographer Trampas Thompson in the role of Banquo (bio below), Marguerite French,
Tommy Waddell, and returning guests, Pat Towne, Taylor Thomson and Kendall Johnson.
Also returning for another season are L.A director Edgar Landa (bio below), and LA based set
designer Maureen Weiss.
Thin Air Shakespeare is supported by the Center for the Arts, the Center of Wonder, the National
Endowment for the Arts, the Community Foundation of Jackson Hole, Arts for All, and generous
private support. Off Square Theatre Company is supported in part by a grant from the Wyoming
Arts Council, through funding from the Wyoming State Legislature and the National Endowment
for the Arts.
Guest Director for Thin Air Shakespeare:
Edgar Landa lives in Los Angeles and works at theatres large and small throughout Southern
California as an actor, director and fight choreographer. He is returning to Jackson for his fourth
summer with Thin Air Shakespeare, after directing The Tempest, A Midsummer Night’s
Dream and The Taming of the Shrew. He currently serves on the faculty of the USC School of
Dramatic Arts and is a long-time member of Shakespeare & Company in Lenox, MA. Most
recently, he directed the World Premiere of TAR by Los Angeles-based playwright Tom
Jacobson. Edgar is also an avid obstacle course racer and extreme endurance athlete.
www.edgarlanda.com
Guest Artist appearing as Banquo:
Trampas Thompson is thrilled to be joining Thin Air Shakespeare for Macbeth. Having grown
up in Jackson Hole, Trampas is grateful to be returning to this beautiful place once again. In
addition to acting, Trampas has been a professional stuntman and a stunt coordinator in
Hollywood for over 20 years. His 100 + credits include four PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN
films, NATIONAL TREASURE, ZOMBIELAND, among others. He was Michael Keaton’s
stunt double for BIRDMAN and SPIDER-MAN: HOMECOMING. Trampas has choreographed
fights Off Broadway for BEDLAM’s critically acclaimed HAMLET, as well as their run at the
McCarter Theatre and current tour. Recently, Trampas choreographed fights for Shakespeare
Dallas’ Richard III and Macbeth for the Humanist Project in New York. He is a member of
SAG-AFTRA and of the Directors Guild of America. Complete credits can be found on IMDB.
The Story – from the Folger Shakespeare Library
Macbeth, set primarily in Scotland, mixes witchcraft, prophecy, and murder. Three “Weïrd
Sisters” appear to Macbeth and his comrade Banquo after a battle and prophesy that Macbeth
will be king and that the descendants of Banquo will also reign. When Macbeth arrives at his
castle, he and Lady Macbeth plot to assassinate King Duncan, soon to be their guest, so that
Macbeth can become king.
After Macbeth murders Duncan, the king’s two sons flee, and Macbeth is crowned. Fearing that
Banquo’s descendants will, according to the Weïrd Sisters’predictions, take over the kingdom,
Macbeth has Banquo killed. At a royal banquet that evening, Macbeth sees Banquo’s ghost
appear covered in blood. Macbeth determines to consult the Weïrd Sisters again. They comfort
him with ambiguous promises.
Another nobleman, Macduff, rides to England to join Duncan’s older son, Malcolm. Macbeth has
Macduff’s wife and children murdered. Malcolm and Macduff lead an army against Macbeth, as
Lady Macbeth goes mad and commits suicide. Macbeth confronts Malcolm’s army, trusting in
the Weïrd Sisters’ comforting promises. He learns that the promises are tricks, but continues to
fight. Macduff kills Macbeth and Malcolm becomes Scotland’s king.
 

Photo:
Fight choreography rehearsal with Trampas Thompson and Luis Kelly-Duarte.
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