Wolpe Explores Gender Transformation in ‘Shakespeare and the Alchemy of Gender’

The Jewish Community of Sedona and the Verde Valley is set to host two free performances of Lisa Wolpe’s acclaimed one-woman show, “Shakespeare and the Alchemy of Gender,” at the Mary D. Fisher Theatre. The performances will take place on Saturday, November 23, at 7 p.m. and Sunday, November 24, at 1 p.m.

This 55-minute show intricately weaves monologues from Shakespeare’s male characters with elements of Wolpe’s personal family history. Wolpe describes the performance as a “depth charge,” designed to bring a fresh perspective to the timeless work of the playwright. Each performance will include a Q&A session with the audience, providing an opportunity for deeper engagement.

Patrick Schweiss, Director of the Sedona International Film Festival, expressed enthusiasm about the show’s impact. “This story and her life touches on so many different subjects; it’s empowering, it’s life-affirming, it’s moving. Everything you want and anticipate in great theatre is in this show, and you will walk away absolutely blown away,” he remarked.

Wolpe’s work is deeply personal. The show is dedicated to her father, Hans Max Joachim Wolpe, a German Jew who bravely resisted the Nazis during World War II. He escaped a labor battalion to fight with the Royal Winnipeg Rifles, but tragically took his own life when Wolpe was only four. She credits him with instilling a sense of courage in her that informs her artistic endeavors.

Speaking to the complexities of legacy, Wolpe said, “It’s a series of very Hamletian questions about being an intelligent person in a flawed world, examining my father’s legacy while creating my own.” As she takes on male roles in Shakespeare, she feels she is claiming space as a female artist countering traditional narratives that often marginalize women.

Wolpe asserts that embodying male characters empowers her. “It gives me no obstacle to believing that I have manifest destiny to carve out my passage on the planet,” she stated, differentiating her experience from the often victimized portrayal of women in classic narratives.

The artist emphasizes the timeliness of her performance amid current political tensions. “There’s a lot of communication that erupts from the risks I take on stage,” she explained. The performance is not just a tribute to her father but also a conversation with the past, allowing her to honor his memory while standing in the spotlight.

Schweiss also highlighted the significance of the event. “This performance is the perfect kick-off to our upcoming partnership with actors from the Utah Shakespeare Festival,” he said, noting his desire to bring Wolpe’s work to Sedona has been long-standing.

For those interested in attending, tickets can be purchased online at SedonaFilmFestival.org, and inquiries can be directed to (928) 282-1177.