Macbeth: The Radio Play debuts tonight in the arboretum, and all performances, Oct. 24 through Nov. 3, will go on, rain or shine, the Davis Shakespeare Ensemble announced.

The ensemble is presenting the Bard's haunting tragedy as "an engrossing sonic experience," inspired by the format of 1930s radio plays. The DSE production features unique live sound effects and an original score by Richard Chowenhill. 8 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday, Oct. 24-27 and Oct. 31-Nov. 3, gazebo.

This is the opening production in the ensemble's third season, exploring the theme of transformation through language and sound. Tickets are available for Macbeth: The Radio Play alone or for the entire season. Or inquire about tickets by phone, (530) 802-0998, or email, boxoffice@shakespearedavis.com. 

MORE AT THE ARBORETUM

• Folk Music Jam Sessions — Pull out your fiddles, guitars, mandolins, penny whistles, pipes, flutes, squeezeboxes — you name it! — and join your fellow musicians during the lunch hour for a little bluegrass, old-time, blues, Celtic, klezmer and other world music. All skill levels welcome. Listeners, too! Noon-1 p.m. Friday, Oct. 26, Nov. 9, and Dec. 7 and 21, Wyatt Deck.

• Poetry in the Garden: Indigo Moor and Judy Halebsky — Moor (Tap-Root and Through the Stonecutter's Window), teaches creative writing workshops, and is a former vice president of the Sacramento Poetry Center. Halebsky (Sky=Empty), who spent five years in Japan as a Ministry of Culture fellow, is an editor and translator for Eki Mae, a bilingual poetry journal. She lives in San Francisco and teaches at Dominican University of California. Noon-1 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 1, Wyatt Deck.

• Let the Culture Days Begin — A tour of the Native American Contemplative GATEways Garden, led by arboretum docents and UC Davis students. This event is a collaboration with the Cross Cultural Center in conjunction with the campus's Native American Culture Days, Nov. 5-9. 2-3:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 3, meet in front of the Buehler Alumni and Visitors Center.
 
• Family Nature Program: Storytime through the Seasons — Under the Redwood Tree — An exploration of the cultural world of Native Californians, through stories, games and art. Presented by the Arboretum Ambassadors (student interns) in collaboration with the UC Davis Naturalists. 1-3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 4, Wyatt Deck (rain location: 146 Environmental Horticulture).
 
• Walk With Warren — Warren Roberts, the superintendent emeritus of the arboretum, and noted storyteller and punster, leads what promises to be another engaging program — this one in the west end gardens. Noon-1 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 14, meet at the gazebo. Roberts' walks are scheduled during the noon hour on the second Wednesday of every month; meeting place varies.
 
• Plants of the Southwest U.S.A. — Explore autumn sages blooming in the Southwest U.S.A. Collection and take a peek at progress on the newest GATEways Garden, featuring an animal science theme. 2-3:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 17, meet in front of the arboretum headquarters (Valley Oak Cottage).

All programs are open to the public, and all are free except Macbeth: The Radio Play. More information on arboretum events: (530) 752-4880 or arboretum.ucdavis.edu (for directions, click on “Plan Your Visit”).

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