Solo Shows
Mark Kenward discovered solo performance in 1991 as a graduate student in Northwestern University’s theatre department, where his thesis project was a one-man adaptation of Herman Melville’s Moby-Dick. Since then he has created seven full-length solo shows, exploring the many possibilities of the form: autobiographical monologues, character pieces, storytelling, adaptations of literature. He has performed his work in over thirty-five cities throughout the US and Canada. His original shows include:
Nantucket
When Mark was 8 years old his family moved to Nantucket, arriving with all the dreams you would expect of people moving to a famous old island. But in the dead of winter Nantucket is a different place, where the reality is that not everyone will be a survivor. Written and performed by Mark Kenward, and directed by Rebecca Fisher.
Towle’s Hill
A one-man show commissioned by Gundlach-Bundschu winery to celebrate their 150th anniversary.
Toured to 15 cities including New York and LA (2008-2009)
Special presentation at the Congressional Wine Caucus in DC
Featured at the 2009 Nantucket Wine Festival
“A well written and captivating piece of theater.” – SF Theater Blog
“Kenward is a warm, wonderful storyteller who establishes an instant rapport with his audience” – San Francisco Examiner
The Dharma of Dollars
An autobiographical performance written and performed by Mark Kenward
Ten week run in San Francisco (2004 -2005)
Recommended pick by the San Francisco Bay Guardian (2005)
“A gentle wit and a sharp eye for the truth.” – SFist.com
The Yoga of Moby-Dick
An autobiographical performance written and performed by Mark Kenward
Sold-out awards in the San Francisco Fringe Festival (2001)
Thirteen week run in San Francisco (2001 – 2002)
Featured in Yoga Journal Magazine (2002)
“The subtle way in which he allows the verse and chapter of his literary scripture to inform us about the whirling sea of his personal life is wonderful to observe.” – CBC Radio—Winnipeg
Mister Sun
An autobiographical performance written and performed by Mark Kenward
Performed at the Victoria and Vancouver Fringe Festivals (1999)
“A compelling storyteller able to serve up life’s dramatic moments, and arrange them meaningfully as a fiction writer might.” Victoria Times Colonist
“Saturated with raw feeling and weird psychedelic danger…the stakes are high, the experiences are intense” – Georgia Straight (Vancouver)
Riding From Normal
An autobiographical performance written and performed by Mark Kenward
• Performed in four cities including five week run in San Francisco (1998)
“Kenward is an appealing, very physical performer…filled with big laughs and loaded with heart, “Riding From Normal” is an entertaining showcase for its talented author/performer.” – Oakland Tribune
Moby Dick
An adaptation of Herman Melville’s novel created and performed by Mark Kenward
Performed in eleven cities including Chicago (1993) & San Francisco (1994-1995)
Nominated for Best Solo Performance by Bay Area Theatre Critics Circle (1995)
“Kenward is a commanding storyteller” – SF Weekly