America’s premier performing arts festival returns to the Holy City for its 43rd annual season. Check out our picks for May
Compagnie Hervé Koubi
Compagnie Hervé Koubi - May 25 & 26
French choreographer Hervé Koubi and his extraordinary company make their Spoleto Festival USA debut this year with a powerful modern dance performance. Koubi was an adult when he discovered his Algerian heritage, and he now explores his newfound North African roots through art. At the Gaillard Center, 13 male dancers from Africa and Europe will combine street forms like capoeira, breakdancing, and martial arts with modern contemporary dance. This impressive production promises to display remarkable feats of strength and skill at this one-of-a-kind show. Charleston Gaillard Center, 95 Calhoun St. Saturday, 7pm; Sunday, 2pm. $80-$31.50. (843)579-3100, spoletousa.org
Shakespeare’s Globe—Audience Choice
Shakespeare’s Globe—Audience Choice - May 23-June 8
The esteemed troupe from London’s rebuilt Globe Theatre—the venue Shakespeare called home—returns to the Holy City. This year, the impressive company brings triple the drama, performing the Bard’s Twelfth Night, The Comedy of Errors, and Pericles at Dock Street Theatre. Even better, the versatile cast of eight performers offers “audience choice” shows—allowing ticket holders to clap, shout, and cheer for the play they most want to see—which the troupe will perform on the spot. Dock Street Theatre, 135 Church St. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, & Saturday, times vary. $90-$25. (843)579-3100, spoletousa.org
Esperanza Spalding
Esperanza Spalding - May 24 & 25
Since her breakout “Best New Artist” win at the Grammys in 2011, Esperanza Spalding has continued to transcend genres, mixing opera, pop, and jazz to create her unique sound. Spalding has worked with artists such as Stevie Wonder, Prince, and John Legend, not to mention she has also performed at the Oscars, the White House, and Carnegie Hall. Don’t miss the chance to see this incredibly innovative bassist/vocalist in person. College of Charleston Cistern Yard, 66 George St. Friday & Saturday, 9pm. $65-$36. (843)579-3100, spoletousa.org
Salome - May 24 & 30, June 2 & 5
Globally acclaimed directors Patrice Caurier and Moshe Leiser bring Salome to life in a one-act opera that is as riveting today as it was at its 1905 premiere. This stunning drama takes place in 30 A.D., and is Oscar Wilde’s interpretation of the biblical story of Herod, his lovesick step-daughter Salome, and John the Baptist. Tenor Paul Groves returns to the Festival after impressing audiences during the 2018 Chamber Music series, this time as Herod, while soprano Melanie Henley Heyn takes on the demanding and provocative role of Salome. Charleston Gaillard Center, 95 Calhoun St. Wednesday-Friday, 7:30pm; Sunday, 3pm. $115-$36. (843)579-3100, spoletousa.org
Path of Miracles - May 27 & 31
Join the Westminster Choir for an epic vocal pilgrimage in Path of Miracles, an ethereal, shimmering a cappella performance that traces the expedition pilgrims took across the Camino de Santiago for more than 1,200 years. Director John La Bouchardière’s new production leads the audience along a quest of discovery, offering a glimpse into the experiences of those pilgrims. Immerse yourself in the mystery of the journey at this magnificent musical experience. Charleston Gaillard Center, 95 Calhoun St. Monday, 7:30pm; Friday, 8pm. $75-$36. (843)579-3100, spoletousa.org
Compagnie Hervé Koubi photographs by (Compagnie Herve Koubi) Nathalie Sternalski & courtesy of Shakespeare's Globe & (Spalding) Spoleto Festival USA
