www.montereycountynow.com MAY 15-21, 2025 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY 33 ON STAGE New Canon Theatre Co. is diving back into ancient history to start its fourth season. The small, nonprofit theater company’s new season begins on May 15 with the production of An Iliad, a retelling of Homer’s epic poem, staged at California’s First Theatre in Monterey. An Iliad was meant to be New Canon’s debut production in 2020, but plans fell apart after a disagreement between the Screen Actors Guild, American Federation of Television and Radio Artists and the Actors’ Equity Association over rights to put on a virtual show. Making it to season four—with plans for season five nearly complete—shows that New Canon, still a young theater company, has staying power. But like nearly all American theater organizations, it faces challenges, including a U.S. presidential administration that is hostile to the arts. After grant funding from the National Endowment for the Arts was essentially deleted overnight on May 2, New Canon’s artistic director and co-founder J. Matthew Gordon says private funding, ticket sales and public donations are more critical than ever. And that means banding together. “Everything is dependent on collaboration,” Gordon says. “I don’t believe in competition in the arts.” Some of that collaboration is seen in terms of venue; An Iliad is in partnership with Monterey State Historic Park, and the season’s second production, Othello, takes place at the Outdoor Forest Theater in Carmel, a stage managed by Pacific Repertory Theatre, from June 12-29. Gordon says the 2025 season will be edgier than the previous three years. Othello was selected to explore issues of racism and misogyny. Scheduled next, to run in 2026, are an original comedy called Life Sucks and an exploration of family values called Appropriate. New Canon Cabaret and New Canon’s New Works Festival are scheduled to return in the fall. Gordon is grateful that the opening productions will be shown on two iconic stages in Monterey County, but acknowledges that difficult times lie ahead for performing arts organization. Gordon now has a call to action: “If you appreciate what an arts organization is doing, donate, buy a ticket, spread the word and help them get butts in seats,” he says. An Iliad 7:30pm Thursdays-Saturdays and 2pm Sundays, May 15-25. First Theatre, Pacific Street at Scott, Monterey. $17-$57; ages 10 and up. newcanontheatre.org. DANIEL DREIFUSS Shared Stage New Canon Theatre Co. opens its fourth season with productions at iconic Monterey County locations. By Sloan Campi New Canon Theatre Co.’s fourth season opens with An Iliad, Homer’s epic tale as told from the point of view of a poet, played by Patty Gallagher.
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