Eli Simon Honored with Helena Modjeska Cultural Legacy Award for Contributions to Arts
Eli Simon to receive Helena Modjeska Cultural Legacy Award
Uc Irvine
Image: Uc Irvine
Eli Simon, Chancellor’s Professor of drama at UC Irvine, will receive the Helena Modjeska Cultural Legacy Award for his lifetime achievements in the arts. He is recognized for founding the New Swan Shakespeare Festival and the New Swan Shakespeare Center, which enhance cultural engagement in Orange County.
- 01Eli Simon is the Chancellor’s Professor of drama at the UC Irvine Claire Trevor School of the Arts.
- 02He founded the New Swan Shakespeare Festival in 2012, which has become a key cultural event in Orange County.
- 03The festival features professional actors and UC Irvine students performing Shakespeare plays in an outdoor theater.
- 04Simon co-founded the New Swan Shakespeare Center to promote scholarly study and community engagement with Shakespeare.
- 05He has directed over 100 productions and authored several influential books on acting and clowning.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
Eli Simon, a prominent figure in the arts and Chancellor’s Professor of drama at the University of California, Irvine, will receive the prestigious Helena Modjeska Cultural Legacy Award from Arts Orange County. This award recognizes Simon's significant contributions as a director, educator, and visionary leader in the arts, particularly for founding the New Swan Shakespeare Festival in 2012. This festival has become a cherished summer tradition in Orange County, presenting Shakespeare plays in an intimate outdoor setting. Simon's efforts have fostered collaboration between professional actors and UC Irvine students, enhancing the cultural landscape of the region. Additionally, he co-founded the New Swan Shakespeare Center, which promotes scholarly research and community outreach related to Shakespeare. Simon's leadership has inspired many artists and students throughout his 38 years at UC Irvine, where he has directed over 100 productions and published several influential works on acting. His recognition by Arts Orange County highlights his lasting impact on the arts in Southern California.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
Eli Simon's work has significantly enriched the cultural scene in Orange County, providing opportunities for students and engaging the community.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
Reader Poll
What do you think about Eli Simon's contributions to the arts?
Connecting to poll...
Read the original article
Visit the source for the complete story.



