Green Room Theatre Company is set to present two distinct Shakespeare-inspired productions in the Coachella Valley this spring. The company will launch “The Newish Shakespeare Festival,” featuring Como Te Gusta and American Moor, with performances scheduled at several local venues.
Como Te Gusta is a bilingual adaptation of Shakespeare’s As You Like It, directed by David Catanzarite, Founding Artistic Director of Green Room Theatre Company. The play is set in the Sonoran Desert and incorporates Spanish, cowboy English, and original Shakespearean text. Each performance opens with Ballet Folklórico and explores themes of love, identity, and self-discovery. Catanzarite said, “Since 2011, we’ve proudly produced works by and about Shakespeare each season. With our Newish Shakespeare Festival, we’re deepening that commitment by creating work that reflects the rich bilingual and Hispanic culture of the East Valley. Como Te Gusta allows us to connect with audiences in a way that feels culturally familiar, welcoming, and relevant, while continuing to make Shakespeare accessible to our entire community.”
American Moor is a one-man play directed by Kathryn Ervin. It follows a Black actor auditioning for the role of Othello while confronting issues within the classical theatre world. Ervin described the production: “This is an exciting play confronting the relationship between plays and performers and directors. Specifically, a black actor auditioning for Othello and issues including stereotyping, actor training and colonial views. It’s been a very exciting process as we worked to bring these issues and more to our production.”
Both productions aim to spark discussions on culture, representation, and Shakespeare’s continued relevance. Shows are planned at St. John’s Episcopal Church, Carl May Community Center, RAP Foundation, and Revolution Stage Company with ticket prices from $20 to $40.
For additional details or ticket purchases visit https://grtccv.org/2026-shakespeare-festival/.
Green Room Theatre Company (GRTCCV) is recognized for touring professional theatre and Ballet Folklórico performances in under-resourced neighborhoods across the desert region. The organization focuses on producing culturally inclusive theatre while expanding audiences in East Coachella Valley.
GRTCCV also provides internships, scholarships, and small-enrollment classes for young artists in communities such as Indio, Coachella, Thermal, and Mecca. The nonprofit continues its efforts toward gaining recognition from Actors Equity as a Small Professional Theatre.
Meanwhile, organizations like the Greater Coachella Valley Chamber contribute to regional economic growth by promoting tourism initiatives and hosting events that connect community members (https://gcvcc.org/). The Chamber advocates for local businesses through networking opportunities and educational resources (https://gcvcc.org/), serves multiple cities throughout the valley (https://gcvcc.org/), supports pro-business policies (https://gcvcc.org/), fosters partnerships among stakeholders (https://gcvcc.org/), and offers services such as leadership training and business directories (https://gcvcc.org/).
For more information about Green Room Theatre Company programs call (442) 215-7039 or visit www.grtccv.org.
