Barry Edelstein has been named artistic director of The Old Globe, the San Diego theater said Tuesday.
He will arrive in Southern California boasting extensive experience in the Globe's favorite playwright, William Shakespeare. Edelstein is currently the director of The Public Theater’s Shakespeare Initiative in New York City. He is also the author of "Bardisms: Shakespeare for All Occasions and Thinking Shakespeare" and produced The Public’s recent Broadway production of "The Merchant of Venice," starring Al Pacino.
He will take over The Old Globe on Nov. 1 and plans to move to the West Coast by January 2013.
Before joining The Public, Edelstein was the artistic director of the Classic Stage Company in New York City for five years, directing "Richard III," starring John Turturro and Julianna Margulies, and "The Winter’s Tale," starring David Strathairn.
“I am deeply honored and beyond thrilled to be appointed Artistic Director of one of this country’s greatest theaters,” Edelstein said in a statement. "I believe that a thriving theater is vital to the life of a vibrant city, and I am delighted that this opportunity will bring me and my family to one of the most spectacular cities in America.”
Located in San Diego's Balboa Park, The Old Globe produces 15 productions a year ranging from works by the Bard to contemporary musicals like "The Full Monty" and "Dirty Rotten Scoundrels."
