Experience the Magic: Lit Moon World Theatre Festival Thrills Santa Barbara at Community Arts Workshop!

For over 30 years, John Blondell has been a key figure in Santa Barbara’s theater scene. He directed many captivating shows for Lit Moon Theatre and led the theater arts program at Westmont College. This year, he’s wrapping up an important chapter in his life as he prepares to retire and focus on international projects. To celebrate, Lit Moon is hosting a special theater festival featuring four plays from January 22 to 25 at the Community Arts Workshop.

The festival will showcase classic works, including Uncle Vanya and King Lear, both directed by Blondell. Uncle Vanya, known for its themes of dissatisfaction and longing, will run on January 25, lightheartedly noted for its tagline: “the heart aches and dreams fade, but there’s vodka.” King Lear, created in a Macedonian artistic setting, features puppetry and other creative elements, and will be presented from January 22 to 24.

Another highlight is Prospero’s Black Box, performed by Jeff Mills on January 25. This piece draws inspiration from AI and Geoffrey Hinton’s work, blending physical performance and poetry with thought-provoking themes. Lastly, A Real Elephant is a playful, object-based theater piece by Yulya Dukhovny, set for January 24.

As Blondell puts it, “It’s a celebration, homecoming, goodbye, Saturn return.” This festival marks a meaningful conclusion to his remarkable run in Santa Barbara.

Catch the Lit Moon Theatre Festival from January 22-25 at the Community Arts Workshop, located at 631 Garden St.

‘A Real Elephant’ (left), and ’Prospero’s Black Box’ | Photo: Courtesy