Stratford Festival Drops \'Shakespeare\' From Name

Steve Payne Antoni Cimolino with a costume from “Romeo and Juliet.”

The Stratford Shakespeare Festival has dropped the playwright's name from its official designation, according to an announcement made today by Antoni Cimolino, the theater's new artistic director. Mr. Cimolino, who has been the general director of what is now called the Stratford Festival since 2006, officially took the reins today from Des McAnuff, who recently completed his final season as artistic director.

“What we found over time was that some people who hadn't been to Stratford before were concerned that it was only Shakespeare,” Mr. Cimolino said in a telephone inter view. He was calling from what he called “the other Stratford,” or Stratford-Upon-Avon, England, where he had just seen a Royal Shakespeare Company production of “The Merry Wives of Windsor,” so his Shakespeare bona fides seemed to be intact. “I think it's important that people know the beating heart is Shakespeare but we do a variety of work,” he added.

In reality, for most of the company's history it has been called the Stratford Festival. The latest name change removes a proper noun that was added five years ago by the trio of artistic directors who were in charge at that time.

Mr. Cimolino's plans for his first season as artistic director do involve a broadening of the company's offerings. In addition to a dozen productions he is planning a project called The Forum, which will feature speakers, panel discussions and other elements tied to some of the season's productions. “We're going to be announcing everything fro m music events and comedians to events about food,” he said.

While Shakespeare may no longer be featured in the company's name, he will be prominent in the 12-show 2013 season, which includes productions of “Romeo and Juliet,” “Othello,” “Measure for Measure” and “The Merchant of Venice,” starring Brian Bedford as Shylock.

“I have a strong commitment to Shakespeare, I love it,” Mr. Cimolino said. “But it's important that we reach out and make sure people come and enjoy the whole experience.”