In Acting Shakespeare: A Benefit Performance October 14, 2012

In IN ACTING SHAKESPEARE, acclaimed actor James DeVita shares his improbably and inspiring journey from every man to leading man revealing along the way that his biggest hurdle was convincing himself he was smart enough to understand Shakespeare. A touching a truly hilarious evening of theater.

QUERY: "Dear Sir: I have an interest in adapting Sir Ian McKellen's script Acting Shakespeare for performance. Might the rights be available? Respectfully, James D."

REPLY: "James, Ian McKellen is happy for you to perform your version of Acting Shakespeare. All best wishes. Louise H., Secretary to Sir Ian McKellen. Dec. 2006"

In Acting Shakespeare began with the above correspondence regarding Sir Ian McKellen's one-man show, Acting Shakespeare, an amalgam of personal reminiscences, theatrical lore and selections from Shakespeare. Actor James DeVita had very little expectation of an actual reply, and was thrilled when he received Mr. McKellen's blessing to move forward with the idea.

The original concept for the adaptation was to re-create McKellen's show, as well as pay tribute to him and his work. This idea, however, was short-lived. Performing another actor's one-man show proved detached and impersonal - a clever trick rather than a play. After the third draft, DeVita abandoned the idea. What followed was a complete re-imagining, two years of research and revisions, and eleven more drafts.

Some of Mr. McKellen's structure and wonderful writings remain, but what rose to the surface with each succeeding draft was less and less a re-creation of the original show, and more a story about one person's journey towards meeting Shakespeare and discovering the beauty of words - and their potential.

Proceeds from this performance will benefit Shakespeare Santa Cruz education and internship programs.

Official Website: http://www.shakespearesantacruz.org