Michael Armenia turns his bard passion into Orcas Island Shakespeare Society

— by Deborah Sparks, Orcas Issues reporter —

Executive Director of the Orcas Island Shakespeare Society (OISS), Michael Armenia, will be offering a free class (for women only) at the Orcas Island Public Library from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday, July 12. It is an introduction to Shakespeare, specifically Hamlet, and Armenia’s all-female production of Hamlet, to be produced in July of 2020. Currently, King Lear on Broadway is played by Glenda Jackson and the Earl of Gloucester is played by Jayne Houdyshell. As Armenia put it, “all female stuff is all the rage, that’s how I got the idea to cast all women.”

The Orcas Island Shakespeare Society was recently started by Armenia who has been interested in plays by the bard for 37 years and specifically the play, Hamlet. As a writer, language and it’s use stokes his fire. His passion for Shakespeare was re-ignited by the Orcas Island Shakespeare Fest (which involved a significant portion of the community) was produced by Michell Marshall and the Chamber of Commerce some years back. Armenia experienced a connection with the community and observed connections being nurtured by the commonality in the joy of the Shakespeare Fest through play reading performances, costumes, and general merry making. He was quick to add, “enjoyment required, enchantment desired.” His intention now is to “expose Shakespeare to the community” through “reading groups,” “playing groups,” (which are people who want to perform), and through encouragement and supporting community members who wish to produce different kinds of Shakespeare offerings. Armenia had an expression of excitement when he said he has a desire to bring back the Shakespeare Fest in the summer of 2021.

When asked how he is planning to pull all this together, his belief is “it will take time and it will grow organically. It’s already in formation!” His vision includes a Shakespeare summer camp through the Funhouse, get children in Shakespeare plays written for children so they can begin to grow in their understanding of Shakespeare’s language and themes and he wants to grow his involvement with the Senior Center.

Vicky O’Keefe, Activities and Programs Coordinator at Orcas Island Senior Center has shown support for Michael and OISS creating programs for Seniors. Together they are brainstorming on how to get seniors involved. Suggestions are welcome and Vicky can be reached by email: vickio@orcasislandshakespeare.org

OISS is in its non-profit infancy which means the sky’s the limit in getting creative with Armenia through ideas and suggestions. For example: Armenia is open to people writing mixed texts of Shakespeare’s plays and presenting them to the reading group. He’s open to anyone with ideas and enthusiasm for taking Shakespeare into the community in any way, shape or form.

And he welcomes people to join him in the formation of the society. He wants people to contact him with their interests and get involved by emailing: info@orcasislandshakespeare.org.

Michael Armenia will have a booth at the Library Faire where you can meet him. He’ll have information and suggestions on how community members can get involved. He beseech ye to perpend.