David Stradley in Love's Labour's Lost

The Festival is excited to announce that David Stradley, a director and actor with a long history with the company, has been appointed as the new artistic director.

David just directed DSF’s critically acclaimed 2011 production of The Winter’s Tale. As an actor, David might be best remembered as playing Richard in DSF’s 2007 production of Richard III. He has also appeared in As You Like It, Much Ado About Nothing, and Love’s Labour’s Lost (his personal favorite DSF experience because he met his wife, Michelle, in the cast).

David Stradley in Love’s Labour’s Lost
“I’m honored to be given the opportunity to lead Delaware Shakespeare Festival into the future,” David says. “I hope to continue the tradition Molly has created of the Festival as a great
Delaware summer event, while increasing the excitement connected to our fun, accessible productions of the world’s best playwright.”

Molly adds, “DSF is very lucky to have David at the helm.”

David, who has been referred to as “one of the region’s most highly regarded freelance theater directors,” frequently directs at Delaware Theatre Company. He has also worked at Arden Theatre Company, Folger Shakespeare Library, People’s Light and Theatre Company, Sundance Institute Theatre Lab, Walnut Street Theatre, and the Wilma Theater.

To learn more about David, see his website at www.davidstradley.com.

Molly Cahill Govern

Delaware Shakespeare Festival’s founding artistic director, Molly Cahill Govern, has announced that she will be stepping down from her post to focus on her theatre career in Washington, D.C.

“After nine wonderful seasons, I am moving on to new opportunities near my home in Virginia,” Molly says. “I am very proud to be the founder of the Delaware Shakespeare Festival. I want to thank everyone – from our audience, to our sponsors, to our staff and volunteers – who supports our mission to bring Shakespeare to the First State.”

Where: Stoney’s British Pub, 3007 Concord Pike, Wilmington, DE 19803

When: Wednesday, June 17, 2009. 11:00am – 1:00am

How it works: 10% of all food purchases will be donated to DSF. Beverages are not included.