Artistic Directors Statement
First and foremost, I want to personally thank you for being here, and welcome you to New Canon Theatre Co.’s inaugural production. What began as a casual conversation about theatre between two relative strangers (now dear friends and artistic partners) in the fall of 2019 has now taken its first major step in becoming a part of the Monterey County artistic and social communities—and this absolutely would not have been possible without the support of people like you. You have taken the time to be here, in this theater, and your presence is felt and appreciated, deeply. Every theatre company—every arts organization--be they large or small, commercial, experimental, educational—or some combination thereof—is an invaluable asset to the communities in which they serve. On any given evening in Monterey County there is art to behold—visual, theatre, dance, cinema, music, literature—enriching, educating, and offering respite from and enlightenment toward the world around us. It binds us, offering even those with the most disparate of viewpoints to gather, witness, and digest a new point of view. To me, that is beautiful—and to now be a part of the rich artistic tapestry of this area—and to be welcomed by the artistic and social communities at large is humbling. You all have my immense respect and gratitude.
Second, I’d like to offer a special thank you to Justine Stock, our Managing Director, Nicole Capps, our Treasurer, our sponsors, donors, volunteers, fellow artists, and friends who have made the work you see tonight possible. You are all New Canon, and we are all, “such stuff as dreams are made on.” Stay tuned for our upcoming season of plays in the summer of 2023—and in the interim, be on the lookout for classes, pop-ups, and special events in the weeks and months to come.
For now, New Canon is beginning with the old, with our own take on a classic text whose modern themes radiate in light of the tumultuous years since the spring of 2020. As we grow and expand as a company, so shall we grow and expand our “new” canon of plays, as we seek out and program new works to share with the world, weaving the classic and contemporary together to form the fabric that is our company—ever growing, ever evolving, ever in gratitude to you, our community, who allow us to share stories, both old and new.
Humbly,
Justin Gordon, Artistic Director
