Experience the magic of Shakespeare. All of it. In 100 minutes.
The Complete Works of Shakespeare (abridged) (revised) (again)
Written by Adam Long, Daniel Singer, Jess Winfield
Directed by Mariah Ghant
WILMINGTON, DE (SEPT, 2026): Delaware Shakespeare, a non-profit theatre company, is pleased to invite community members to the annual Community Tour, featuring Shakespeare plays with very little technical elements and performed in nontraditional theatre spaces. Del Shakes is proud to present The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged) (revised) (again). This snappy, fast paced comedic romp transports you through all 36 of Shakespeare’s plays in under 100 minutes with a Jersey Shore twist. New to Shakespeare? Complete Works offers brief introductions to each play, inviting audiences to get a taste of all that Shakespeare has to offer. Directorial debut by Delaware Shakespeare’s Producing Artist Director, Mariah Ghant: Once on This Island and Romeo and Juliet (Arden Theatre Company), Fat Ham (Wilma Theater) stewards this uproarious performance that barrels through the tragedies, comedies, and histories that will be performed in non-theatrical venues. Complete Works is brought to life by Owen Corey: Man of La Mancha (Montgomery Theatre), White Chip (New Light Theatre), Square Go [Barrymore Nom. Best Leading Actor], Playboy of the Western World (Inis Nua), Marissa Emerson Little Women (Hedgerow Theatre), Henry V & Jesus Christ Superstar (Scranton Shakespeare Festival), RENT (Arden Theatre Company), and Nina Vitek Shrek the Musical (Delaware Theatre Company), The Angry Grammarian (Pier Players), and The Thin Place (Fever Dream Rep).
Featuring a live DJ providing music, minimal set and whatever lighting is available The Complete Works of Shakespeare will introduce a spark notes version of Shakespeare’s entire “discography”.
“I’m so looking forward to another fall on the road taking the Community Tour across Delaware. On the tour, we see the breadth of connection we create with our audiences through this unique model, and each year it’s a gift to strengthen and deepen these bonds,” said director Mariah Ghant “Complete Works is a piece of ‘organized chaos,’ as I keep saying to my team for this project. For me, Shakespeare doesn’t always need to be pristine for it to be able to put forward a meaningful message. Sometimes, gathering together in community and sharing in the joy of laughter is the meaningful message; being able to connect over our shared humanity is essential, and laughter is a primal tool to access that. I can’t wait for individuals to join us and partake in this comedic thrill-ride.”
By the numbers:
12 performances, across 3 counties, in 1 month, 11 creative staff, and 13 community partners.
Tour Highlights:
Pay-it-Forward Ticket Model: We are passionate about building pathways to accessing the arts in our ticket model. We are offering a Share Shakes Ticket, with the purchase of a ticket at $25 you have the opportunity to add a $25 tax deductible donation that will help offset the cost of our free performances. Our Super Share Shakes Ticket will offset the cost for three tickets with the purchase of a $100 ticket ($25 ticket plus a $75 tax deductible donation).
Performance Style: Staying true to Del Shakes’ innovative touring model, performances will be staged “in the round” with minimal props, dynamic staging and audience participation. This format encourages the audience to feel immersed in the performance and demystify the words of Shakespeare.
Tour Schedule: The company will travel across Delaware from September 8th – September 27th, offering both free and ticketed performances in a variety of non-traditional theatre venues such as libraries, community centers, and correctional facilities.
Performance with a Purpose: The tour culminates with our celebration Performance with a Purpose at The Delaware Contemporary. Sip, snack and support Del Shakes at this one of a kind performance with preshow happy hour, and raffle prizes too! Ticket Packages are available at $25, $50, or $175. For more information, visit delshakes.org/community-tour-2026/2026-performance-with-a-purpose/. 
Community Tour Tickets Start at $25 each.
Purchase tickets at delshakes.org or EMAIL, or call 302.468.4890
Join our community for updates, follow Del Shakes on Instagram and Facebook @delshakes
Sponsor and Community Partners:
Honorary Producers George and Norine Watson
Delaware Shakespeare is supported in part by the Delaware Division of the Arts in partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts.
