CLEARLAKE— John Tomlinson was the invited speaker at the Judge’s breakfast forum in Clearlake on May 4. Tomlinson presented on this year’s upcoming “Shakespeare on the Lake” which will once again include two performances, one in Lakeport and another in Clearlake.
Tomlinson teaches speech, film and theatre at both Woodland and Mendocino Community Colleges. In 2016 Tomlinson piloted the program, continuing to organize the annual “Shakespeare on the Lake,” a live performance of famous Shakespeare pieces like last year’s “Twelfth Night”. The play is a co-production of the Mendocino College and the Lake County Theatre Company. This year’s production is presentation of the classic “Measure for Measure” which, according to Tomlinson, will be a “dramatic cut”, focusing on the issues and how they are still relatable to this day. Tomlinson said, “This show kind of goes deep, it’s a heavy show that explores themes of justice and authority. It’s a story where absolute power is seated with the absolute wrong person and it follows the fallout of that decision.” The program is fully funded by scholarships.
The play has scheduled for performances from July 29 to 30 at Library Park in Lakeport and from August 4 to 6 in Clearlake. The play is free and those are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets, coolers are allowed and there will be food and drink vendors on site. According to Tomlinson, “Shakespeare on the Lake” Will continue to be a large part of Lake County’s future.” More information of the event can be found on the website laketheatre.org or the Shakespeare on the Lake Facebook page.
For the presentation Tomlinson used new technology to illustrate how quickly society is headed into a tech based future. Tomlinson used the artificial intelligence programs ChatGPT and Speechify to create a visual representation of well-known rapper Snoop Dogg both talking and rapping about Lake County’s Shakespeare on the Lake. Tomlinson discussed the relation of the arts to technology and the social, emotional well being of our community. Tomlinson said that not only does the community benefit financially from a free play set outdoors, but it also provides a cultural link rich in history, bridging centuries of creative storytelling and enriching academic literacy. Tomlinson also illustrated the importance of the craft of acting in how it provides a creative outlet and aids in building community self esteem.
Part of Tomlinson’s presentation touched on the importance of Shakespeare in today’s society. “Shakespeare plays worldwide still to this day, whether it’s translated or played in its original English, people all over the world still hold it as important.” Tomlinson further noted, “Shakespeare is valid, valuable, and important.” He added the production relies on community support as well as support from their sponsors and partners such as the Clear Lake Chamber of Commerce, Lake County Friends of the Mendocino College, Mendocino College Foundation, and both the cities of Lakeport and Clearlake. Above all, the program relies on community attendance and hopes to continue to increase their audience, perhaps even beating their own personal record of 200.
Clearlake resident Erin McCarrick asked, “What role do the college students play in either production or acting?” Tomlinson responded, “We’d love to see more of the student body get involved, your typical everyday student.” He further explained that the play’s timing coincides with the Mendocino College Ukiah Campus’ new drama festival where less experienced actors can get a spotlight. The program also does outreach with high schools including a summer program available to high school students called “Friends of the Theatre” which is currently available at three of the five local high schools.
The Judge’s Breakfast is held at the Highlands Senior Center in Clearlake every Thursday Morning at 7 a.m. A full breakfast is available for purchase but not required for participation. Justin Gaddy, director of Hope Rising, will present 10,000 Degrees at next week’s Judge’s Breakfast. More information is available on their Facebook page.
