The Arcata Playhouse presents “A Woman’s Place is in Her Home” an exploration of women experiencing the largely unplanned, unpredictable realities of housing insecurity in Humboldt County. Whether living rough on the street, traveling, or couch surfing, housing instability takes its toll and comes with long-lasting consequences for individuals, families, and community. Opening Friday, April 27 and running through Sunday, April 29.

“A Woman’s Place is in Her Home” is a theatrical event, fusing storytelling, dance and music, performed by professionals alongside community members on stage for the first time. Ruthi Engelke directs the play featuring Humboldt’s own Lyndsey Battle, performing original compositions inspired by stories of the houseless. Over the past year, our creative team, Jacqueline Dandeneau, Ali Freedlund and Tammy Rae Scott, documented the hardship, beauty, resilience, and resourcefulness of women in various states of homelessness, and witnessed the obstacles they face every day. Many of the cast and crew have experienced houselessness at some point in their lives. Together, throughout the production process, we’ve shared life stories, prepared meals, laughed, cried and developed an extraordinary bond.  

After each show, audience members will have an opportunity to participate in a talk- back session with performers, the creative team, and representatives from our partners, Arcata House and Food for People.

“A Woman’s Place is in Her Home” premieres Friday, April 27 at 8pm and runs Saturday April 28 at 8pm with a matinee on Sunday April 29th at 2pm, at the Arcata Playhouse, 1251 9th Street in Arcata. (www.arcataplayhouse.org)  Advance tickets can be purchased at Wildberries Marketplace, Brown Paper Tickets or reserve seats at 707-822-1575 (no one turned away for lack of funds).

Cirque Schwazee' Youth Benefit Features Circus, Variety and Live Music

The magic of the circus comes to the Arcata Playhouse in Cirque Du Schwazee', an evening of family entertainment to benefit the Playhouse youth programs.  Taking place on Saturday, April 21, the event combines elements of theater, outdoor spectacle, circus and general merriment to create a fun experience for kids and adults alike.

This family friendly evening will feature guest appearance from David Ferney, Jamie Coventry, Dell’Arte students and the hilarious Spring Break Workshop Kids from the Arcata Playhouse youth workshops all hosted by the great Schwazee’. Live music provided by Gregg Moore and his band of merry musicians this event is sure to tickle your funny bone.

Come early (5:30-6:45) and catch the Sideshow Midway with carnival characters, puppetry, short films, a fortune teller, portrait artist, face painting, and more.

The show starts at 7 p.m. with the grand entrance of the Great Schwazee' performed by Tushar Mathew.  

The Playhouse is located at 1251 9^th Street in the Creamery building.  Tickets are $12 general, $8 for children 12 and under.  They are available at Wildberries Market Place or reserve by calling 822-1575.