This is not much ado about nothing. It’s not funny. It actually hurts.
The local arts community suffered a couple major setbacks last week when both Merced Shakespearefest and Playhouse Merced were hit by burglars and valuable theater production property was stolen.
The first tragedy unfolded when Heike and David Hambley returned to Merced from vacation on Aug. 4 and discovered their home, backyard shed and outdoor storage were broken into and ransacked. Heike Hambley is the founder of Merced Shakespearefest who has directed hundreds of local plays — most of them free to the public — for well over 20 years. David Hambley is her steadfast supporter and one of Merced’s most talented actors.
It turns out, the couple lost thousands of dollars in sound equipment, stage props and personal belongings. Fortunately, the Hambleys are insured for such loss; however, the process of making claims and receiving any assistance is often slow, and takes quite a bit of work. In the meantime, they must do what they can to fix the damage to their property and belongings, as well as organize fundraising campaigns to make future productions can run independently. Shakespearefest is currently between productions, making things far more difficult to raise funds.
The Times was able to get in touch with Heike Hambley, and while she was very emotional about the loss as well as the invasion of privacy, understandably, she said she was happy because many people, including fellow artists, have reached out and offered to help.
“I must say the arts community has been wonderful,” Hambley said. “The messages I received were very comforting. Many theaters have contacted me asking if I needed to borrow anything. We stick together. So, we will be able to continue — but it will just be harder.”
Among those offering support were the Arts Department of Merced College as well as the Prospect Theater in Modesto. Additionally, many people have poured out their support online in numerous posts and comments.
“It’s really hard for small, non-profit, art organizations to survive, and it’s harder now after covid,” Hambley continued. “To see that some people just take equipment, that is taking away from the audiences who we entertain with Shakespeare, is really sad. But it also shows that the arts community will stick together, which is good. I also will say, don’t be surprised if you see me fundraising and asking for donations, because we need to have that equipment to function.”
Stolen creativity
The Times has reached out for details on a burglary and theft reported at Playhouse Merced during the same time period of the property loss at the Hambley’s home.
Details were few as of this week’s press deadline; however, a statement was released on the Playhouse Merced Facebook page.
It read: “Playhouse Merced is sad to report that a significant amount of equipment was stolen out of the Playhouse earlier this week. We join Merced Shakespearefest in our shock over the recent theft of such valuable equipment from both companies that bring arts entertainment to our community. We are currently working with the Merced Police Department on this issue, and would like to thank them for all of their help thus far. If anyone has any information about the theft from either Merced Shakespearefest or Playhouse Merced, we hope that you will provide that information to Merced PD. We want to thank everyone for their support, and we hope to see you in the park enjoying some Shakespeare and at the Playhouse enjoying a play very soon.”
The Times notes that the Playhouse burglary comes at a tough time for the community theatre program. Playhouse Merced has been dealing with myriad issues within its own ranks. The board of directors announced earlier this summer that the artistic director was no longer employed by the group, as well expressing doubt that any major productions would start before or during the upcoming holiday season due to a lackluster financial situation.
Stay tuned for more to come.