CSF 2025: Power Plays, Betrayal and Forgiveness
The Colorado Shakespeare Festival (CSF) has announced its lineup for the 2025 season, running June 7 through Aug. 10. The season features two plays by William Shakespeare about power, betrayal and forgiveness – “The Tempest” and “Richard II,” as well as two original practices performances of Christopher Marlowe’s “Doctor Faustus.” The 2025 CSF season will again feature “double-header Sundays,” when patrons can see two different shows in the same theatre on the same day.
Extensive renovations of the Hellems Building, which encloses the Mary Rippon Outdoor Theatre, will continue until late 2025. During this time, CSF will present its productions in the newly refurbished Roe Green Theatre. After the renovation is complete, CSF anticipates returning to the Mary Rippon Theatre in 2026 for a full season celebrating the venue’s stunning transformation. Plans are underway for a dynamic lineup of five plays across both CSF theatres in 2026.
Founded in 1958, the Colorado Shakespeare Festival celebrates the works of William Shakespeare and other classic playwrights through world-class performances. Set against the backdrop of Boulder, Colorado, the festival attracts thousands of attendees each year, making it one of the premier destinations for Shakespeare enthusiasts worldwide.
The 2025 season begins Saturday, June 7, and runs through Sunday, Aug. 10. Season tickets are available starting Nov. 4 at coloradoshakes.org, over the phone at 303-492-8008 and weekdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the CU Presents Box Office. Single tickets will be available beginning Dec. 2. Ticket availability will be limited due to the smaller theatre capacity. Visit the Colorado Shakespeare Festival’s website or contact the box office for ticket information and a detailed schedule.
Colorado Shakespeare Festival 2025 season
The Tempest
By William Shakespeare
Directed by Kevin Rich
June 7-Aug. 10, Roe Green Theatre (Indoors)
Magic, romance and intrigue swirl on the exiled Prospero’s island when he summons a storm to take vengeance on his betrayers. As his ethereal servant Ariel thwarts the vengeful schemes of the enslaved ‘monster’ Caliban, his usurper’s son falls in love with his daughter, the innocent Miranda. Will the island sorcerer choose vengeance and power, or forgiveness and love? An intoxicating mélange of comedy, tragedy and fantasy from the pinnacle of Shakespeare’s creative genius.
Richard II
By William Shakespeare
Directed by Tim Orr
July 5-Aug. 10, Roe Green Theatre (Indoors)
When corrupt, despotic King Richard II ventures off to wage war, the banished Bolingbroke invades to reclaim his stolen inheritance. Embraced by an angry populace and co-opted by self-righteous, greedy nobles, he takes the throne and sets the stage for 32 years of civil war. The first chapter of Shakespeare’s four-part “game of thrones” examines issues critical to contemporary politics, from the embrace of autocracy, the power of wealth, and whether a nation divided can stand.
Doctor Faustus
By Christopher Marlowe
Actor-managed by Shunté Lofton
July 27 at 1:30 and 7 p.m., Roe Green Theatre (Indoors)
Original Practices Event
Shakespeare contemporary Marlowe’s enduring dramatization of German legend explores the pursuit of knowledge and power at any cost and moral compromise. The ambitious scholar summons the demon Mephistophilis, striking a deal to surrender his soul for power. After decades of fantastical feats together, the demon ignores Faustus’ regrets and delivers him to Hell.