Silicon Valley Shakespeare is presenting two comedic productions for its summer season at Sanborn County Park in Saratoga. The lineup includes the first local staging of Oscar Wilde’s "The Importance of Being Earnest" and a reimagined version of Shakespeare’s "Much Ado About Nothing" set against the backdrop of a South Asian American wedding celebration inspired by Bollywood cinema.
Artistic Director Angie Higgins stated that the season was deliberately curated to focus on humor. She noted that the productions aim to highlight how love, family, and community, while often complicated, provide meaning to life. The performances run from July 31 through September 6, with shows scheduled Thursday through Sunday.
Several special events accompany the plays to engage the audience. During the run of "Earnest," attendees can participate in an Oscar Wilde and Edwardian Dress-Up Night with an onstage photo opportunity on August 2. A Cookies & Tea Night, organized in partnership with Chipidee Cookies, is set for August 16.
For "Much Ado About Nothing," the schedule includes an Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Night on August 9, which will feature local businesses and organizations. A Desi Dress-Up Night with an onstage photo opportunity will take place on August 22, inviting guests to wear traditional South Asian attire such as sarees, salwar kameezes, lehenga cholis, and kurtas.
Accessibility services include American Sign Language interpreters for the mainstage performances. Bay Area theater interpreters Dane Lentz, Stephanie Renee Foisy, and Kelly Wilmeth-Weir will provide interpretation for "The Importance of Being Earnest" on August 16 and "Much Ado About Nothing" on August 23.