Boston, MA – As it approaches its 30th year of bringing free Shakespeare performances to Boston audiences, Commonwealth Shakespeare Company (CSC) proudly announces the appointment of esteemed Shakespearean scholar Professor Ayanna Thompson to its Advisory Board.
Prof. Thompson, a leading expert on Shakespeare, identity, and performance, is the past president of the Shakespeare Association of America and currently serves as a Regents Professor of English at Arizona State University and the Executive Director of the Arizona Center for Medieval & Renaissance Studies. With a prolific career that includes acclaimed books, essays, and collaborations in theatrical productions, her insights will bring invaluable depth to CSC’s mission of making Shakespeare accessible and relevant to contemporary audiences.
“I am thrilled to join the Commonwealth Shakespeare Company’s Advisory Board,” said Prof. Thompson. “CSC’s commitment to producing free, high-caliber performances while engaging in crucial conversations about Shakespeare’s role in our modern world is inspiring. I look forward to contributing to this essential work.”
David Friedman, Chair of the Board of CSC, praised Prof. Thompson’s contributions to Shakespeare studies: “Ayanna’s work is a beacon for reimagining Shakespeare in ways that speak to the richness of contemporary society. Having her on the Advisory Board strengthens CSC’s mission of presenting Shakespeare as a living, breathing part of our cultural landscape.”
Ameek Ashok Ponda, CSC Board Member and Chair of the CSC Advisory Board, expressed enthusiasm for Prof. Thompson’s appointment: “Ayanna’s scholarship has profoundly shaped the way we view Shakespeare today. Her expertise will enrich CSC’s ongoing efforts to illuminate Shakespeare’s texts for modern audiences. Having been friends for over 25 years, I know firsthand the depth of Ayanna’s knowledge and passion for Shakespeare; and I am delighted to welcome her to our advisory board.”
Steven Maler, CSC’s Founding Artistic Director, also welcomed Prof. Thompson’s expertise: “Shakespeare’s works continue to evolve in the way they resonate with audiences today, and Ayanna’s scholarship provides crucial insight into that process. Her knowledge and passion will help guide CSC’s artistic and educational initiatives as we bring new life to these timeless stories.”
This summer, Commonwealth Shakespeare Company continues its tradition of bringing free professional Shakespeare performances to the Boston Common with a highly anticipated production of As You Like It. Directed by Steven Maler, the production promises an enchanting exploration of love, identity, and transformation under the open sky of Boston’s most iconic park. One of Shakespeare’s most beloved romantic comedies, As You Like It follows the journey of Rosalind, who, after being banished from court, disguises herself and ventures into the Forest of Arden. There, she encounters a cast of unforgettable characters, navigates the complexities of love, and ultimately discovers her own strength and joy.
The production will run from July 23 to August 10, 2025, at the Parkman Bandstand on Boston Common, continuing CSC’s legacy of making Shakespeare accessible to all.
For more information about CSC, upcoming productions, and Prof. Thompson’s role with the company, visit Commonwealth Shakespeare Company’s website (https://commshakes.org/).
Commonwealth Shakespeare Company (CSC), best known for its annual free performances on Boston Common, is a non-profit theater organization founded in 1996, dedicated to artistic excellence, accessibility, and education. CSC’s Free Shakespeare on the Common has served over one million audience members over its 29-year history, and has become a beloved summer tradition enjoyed by more than 50,000 people annually.
In 2024, CSC introduced a production of Charles Dickens’ ‘A Christmas Carol’, delighting audiences of all ages. In addition to its live theatre productions, CSC provides robust Education and Training programs, including the renowned CSC Apprentice Program, the CSC2 company for early-career actors, and Stage2 programming for middle and high school students and educators.
