The Southern Utah Museum of Art is hosting a special exhibition titled "The Play's the Thing" to commemorate the 65th anniversary of the Utah Shakespeare Festival. The showcase, which runs through September 18, 2026, explores the history of the festival through its iconic productions, beginning with the organization's inaugural performance of Hamlet in 1962.
Celebrating a 65-Year Legacy
The exhibition, curated by Dr. Rebecca Bloom, focuses on the long-standing legacy of the festival and its impact on the Southern Utah University campus and the Cedar City community. According to Southern Utah University, the exhibition traces the history of the festival through a collection of props, costumes, programs, photos, and other mementos spanning six decades of performances.
The Vision of Fred Adams
The exhibition highlights the festival's origins and the vision of Fred Adams. According to Southern Utah University, Adams' dream was rooted in a belief that theater could positively transform the SUU campus, the local Cedar City community, and generations of participating actors and audiences. The festival's very first production in 1962 featured a college student performing the role of the vengeful Danish prince in Hamlet.
Connecting Past and Present
The theme of the exhibition draws a connection between the festival's past and its present. The exhibition notes that just as in 1962, the 2026 productions of Hamlet continue to showcase the intersection of Shakespearean language and the intimacy of live theater under the stars in Cedar City. The exhibition is a collaboration involving the College of Performing and Visual Arts (CPVA), which includes the departments of Filmmaking, Art, and Design; Music; Theatre, Dance, and Arts Administration; and the Southern Utah Museum of Art.
Exhibition Schedule and Location
The exhibition is available to the public for free and is scheduled to run on several dates in September 2026. According to the Southern Utah University events calendar, the exhibition is open from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on September 9, 10, 11, 14, 15, 16, 17, and 18. The event is located at the Southern Utah Museum of Art at 13 S. 300 W. in Cedar City.
Curatorial and Support Details
The production of the exhibition was made possible through the support of several contributors. Southern Utah University credited Gary and Ann Crocker, Crocker Catalyst, and the Sorenson Legacy Foundation for their contributions to the project. The exhibition was curated by Dr. Rebecca Bloom, alongside Professor Ryan Paul, Propmaster Ben Hohman, and Special Collections Coordinator Sally McDonald.
