Twelfth Night at El Barrio's ArtSpace PS109

Tier5 Theatre Company presents...

TWELFTH NIGHT

by William Shakespeare

“If music be the food of love, play on; give me excess of it...”

Directed by James Cougar Canfield

Thursday, April 23rd through Sunday, May 3rd, 2026

Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays at 7pm,

Sundays at 2pm

plus additional performances

Sunday, April 26th at 7pm, Monday, April 27th at 7pm

and Thursday, April 30th at 2pm
 

All performances to take place at

El Barrio's ArtSpace PS109

215 E 99th St, New York, NY 10029

The theatre space is ADA-accessible.

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ABOUT THE SHOW

Welcome to Illyria: Crossroads of the World. A place where music reigns supreme and the joy is overflowing. Well, at least that’s how it once was. After a series of tragedies, our rock ’n’ rollers and pop monarchs just aren’t making the hits like they used to: and the once colorful, full-of-life, and musically magical Illyria is a little off-key.

Duke Orsino is looking for the Britney to his Justin, and his eyes are set on pop legend Olivia (no last name necessary). But things are little Lilith Unfair for Olivia, who just experienced the tragic loss of both her brother and father, and all that she wants is Orsino to go bye-bye-bye.

So when a devastating storm washes newcomer Viola up on Illyria’s shore- her debut is about to take her to the top of the charts. Viola takes “if I were a boy” to heart, as she disguises herself as a dude to get into Duke Orsino’s boyband. But, when Orsino sends the androgynous Viola to help seduce Olivia for him, well… Olivia can’t help falling in love with this new kid on the block- but Viola can't take her eyes off of Orsino- It’s getting messy af, but maybe a little love can be the inspiration that turns Illyria’s flop era into the ultimate comeback?

Completing Tier5’s ShakesQueer Comedy trilogy (after A Midsummer Night’s Dream in 2024, Much Ado About Nothing in 2025), we’re taking Shakespeare's romantic comedy about gender bending mistaken identities and turning it up to 11. Come fall in love at El Barrio: join us for a night of laughter, romance, and rock ‘n’ roll.