‘Globe for All’ brings Shakespeare closer to home, from San Marcos to San Ysidro

Growing up in San Diego, Alejandra Villanueva was never exposed to the theater, other than at a school assembly or a musical.

But on Tuesday, the actress will take to the stage at a school in City Heights as part of an effort to better connect The Old Globe to those who may not have had a chance to enjoy a play.

“That’s why bringing this work to my community means the world to me,” she said. “We’re able to bring Shakespeare and theater directly to audiences where they are. It gives people the opportunity to be introduced to theater for the first time, or to continue nurturing their love for it.”

Villanueva will play Portia and Flavius in a condensed version of Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar that will travel throughout the region over the next four weeks. The free performances are part of “Globe for All,” an initiative run by The Old Globe to increase community access to the arts by taking plays and performances out into neighborhood settings.

Launched in 2014, the initiative has so far reached 16,000 people.

“Our annual Globe for All Tour offers a unique opportunity to enjoy live theater right in your neighborhood.” said Director of Arts Engagement Adena Varner. “This year, our four-week tour allows us the opportunity to bring one of Shakespeare’s most popular titles to our new and existing community partners throughout the region.”

Reservations for the performances are not required. Walk-ins are welcome; guests and seating will be on a first-come, first-served basis.  The performances are free and are held in non-theatrical venues, including gymnasiums, military installations, correctional facilities, cafeterias and senior centers.

The schedule kicks off with four performances this week, beginning at 6 p.m. Tuesday at Wilson Middle School, followed by 7:30 p.m. Wednesday at Lemon Grove Academy. There will be two more shows Saturday, noon at Clairemont Lutheran Church and 7 p..m. at St. John Chaldean Church.

After this week, the free “Globe for All” schedule, continues through Nov. 21:

• Wednesday, Nov. 5 at 2 p.m., El Cajon Library
• Thursday, Nov. 6 at 6:p.m., Lincoln High School
• Saturday, Nov. 8 – at 1 p.m., San Diego Central Public Library; 6 p.m., Montgomery Waller Park and Rec
• Monday, Nov. 10 at 6:30 p.m., Casa Familiar in San Ysidro
• Tuesday, Nov. 11 at 6 p.m., TERI Campus of Life
• Saturday, Nov. 15 at 3 p.m., Oceanside Civic Center Library
• Wednesday, Nov. 19 at 6 p.m., Creative, Performing, and Media Arts Middle
• Thursday, Nov. 20 at 6 p.m., CSU San Marcos
• Friday, Nov. 21 at 5:30 p.m., Jackie Robinson YMCA

There also will be a low-cost performance at 2 p.m. Nov. 22 at the House of Charm in Balboa Park.

In addition, there will be performances before five other organizations, including two detention facilities and a Tijuana cultural center, that will be open only to those groups.

Villanueva is looking forward to sharing her passion for the theater with the community.

“I’m incredibly proud that we’re bringing Shakespeare to the communities I grew up in,” she said. “His plays have endured for centuries because of their universal themes and their ongoing relevance to our lives today. Specifically with Julius Caesar, it’s exciting to share this production because it truly captures the essence of theatrical storytelling.”