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In the SXSW, Grierson, and British Independent Film Award-winning Grand Theft Hamlet (2024), actors Sam Crane and Mark Oosterveen find themselves out of work when theaters shut down during the COVID-19 pandemic. Uncertain about their futures, they turn to the virtual space of Grand Theft Auto Online, embarking on the improbable project of casting and producing a live staging of William Shakespeare’s Hamlet within the game’s chaotic landscape. Directed by Sam Crane and Pinny Grylls, the documentary is comprised entirely of in-game footage, with all of the subjects depicted by their online avatars. The film chronicles the challenges of mounting theater in an unconventional space—from scouting locations and coordinating auditions with players around the globe to navigating rehearsal conflicts—while also capturing unexpected moments of connection during a period of global isolation. Both a celebration of the creative possibilities shared by theater, video games, and cinema, and a poignant reflection on the artistic process, Grand Theft Hamlet explores the enduring human need for connection through art.

Please note: This event will not feature a screening of the documentary. The format for this event will be a live discussion between filmmakers Sam Crane and Pinny Grylls, and moderator Miguel Penabella (Carsey-Wolf Center, UCSB). They will discuss the making of Grand Theft Hamlet, and the process of casting, producing, rehearsing, and staging a live production of Hamlet in Grand Theft Auto Online. Patrons may choose to watch the film in advance of this discussion via MUBI, which offers a special sixty day student membership trial (and a seven day non-student membership trial), but advance viewing of the film will not be necessary to appreciate the discussion.

This event is presented in conjunction with the UCSB Library exhibition Infinite Variety: The Many Lives of Shakespeare’s Texts.

Image Description: Image containing 4 people (2 standing on top of a limosine, and 2 standing on the grass in front of the car), as well as one alien floating in the air

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Director Chloé Zhao’s Hamnet (2025) revolves around Agnes (Jessie Buckley), a singular woman sensitive to the natural world around her. She finds a home and starts a family with William (Paul Mescal), a local tutor and aspiring playwright, before tragedy transforms their lives. Adapted from Maggie O’Farrell’s 2020 novel of the same name, Hamnet reimagines the life of William Shakespeare and the writing of Hamlet through the lens of the loss of a child. Widely acclaimed upon release, the film earned numerous accolades including acting awards for Jessie Buckley from the Academy Awards, the Golden Globes, SAG-AFTRA, and BAFTA, and was nominated for a total of eight Academy Awards.

The Carsey-Wolf Center is delighted to present a screening of Hamnet in conjunction with the UCSB Library exhibition Infinite Variety: The Many Lives of Shakespeare’s Texts. Jean Feerick (English, John Carroll University) will join moderator Jim Kearney (English, UCSB) for pre- and post-screening discussions of Hamnet and its relationship to Shakespeare’s life and work.

Image Description: Image of brunette girl in medieval dress looking sad and concerned

Working on a creative project that’s not quite done? Finish it up and cross it off your resolutions list! the Join other makers and spread out on our big tables, use our tools and dig through our upcycled materials to finalize your masterpiece. Get expert tips as we cheer you on to success. Ages 13+.

AVAILABLE: *LASER CUTTER *CRICUT *SEWING MACHINES *SERGER *BASIC HAND TOOLS *GLUE GUNS
*TRACING TABLE *SOLDERING IRON *BLOCK PRINTING TOOLS

Join us for Saturday morning art adventures in the EE Makerspace above Art from Scrap.
All materials provided - just bring your imagination!
Kids 5+ (adults must stay in the Makerspace with their child).
Projects may use hot glue guns - safety first!

Join us at the Sewing and Mending Club to learn how to repair old favorites or create something new! Discover the joy of creating and repairing with our welcoming community at the EE Makerspace.

Bring your unfinished projects, sewing challenges, or mending needs to our evening or afternoon session.

Our supportive staff and volunteers will be there to offer tips and guidance.

$15 | Ages 13+

Pre-registration is required, secure your spot today.

We can’t wait to see what you create in the EE Makerspace!

Join us at the Sewing and Mending Club to learn how to repair old favorites or create something new! Discover the joy of creating and repairing with our welcoming community at the EE Makerspace.

Bring your unfinished projects, sewing challenges, or mending needs to our evening or afternoon session.

Our supportive staff and volunteers will be there to offer tips and guidance.

$15 | Ages 13+

Pre-registration is required, secure your spot today.

We can’t wait to see what you create in the EE Makerspace!

The first-ever “Free Museum Day” at MOXI, The Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation, is Sunday, April 12. Presented as part of “Count Play Explore,” a California initiative to foster confidence and curiosity in math, science, and computer science among children from birth through third grade.

Kids of all ages enjoy museum exhibits plus special interactive stations by community partners, including slime-making, a color-changing chemistry activity, water-filtration exploration, two types of robots, and more.

Family resources are available about early childhood development, support services, learning tools, parent education, and more.

Presented in partnership with the Santa Barbara County Education Office. Free admission, but reservations are highly recommended at www.moxi.org.

The first-ever “Free Museum Day” at MOXI, The Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation, is Sunday, April 12. Presented as part of “Count Play Explore,” a California initiative to foster confidence and curiosity in math, science, and computer science among children from birth through third grade.

Kids of all ages enjoy museum exhibits plus special interactive stations by community partners, including slime-making, a color-changing chemistry activity, water-filtration exploration, two types of robots, and more.

Family resources are available about early childhood development, support services, learning tools, parent education, and more.

Presented in partnership with the Santa Barbara County Education Office. Free admission, but reservations are highly recommended at www.moxi.org.

For 30 years, Canine Adoption and Rescue League (C.A.R.L.) has been the voice for Ventura County’s rescue dogs. This September, we’re celebrating this massive milestone at our brand-new home: 'olołkoy Beach Park (Oxnard Beach Park). Join us for a day of sun, sand, and wagging tails as we walk to save lives. Whether you’re a longtime supporter or a first-time walker, we can’t wait to see you there!

The Watershed Stewards Program, in partnership with the Ventura Land Trust and the Southern Steelhead Coalition, invites you to join us for a hands-on restoration weekend along the Ojai Valley Trail and Ventura River on April 17–18!

Over the course of these two restoration days, volunteers will help remove invasive Castor Bean plants and clear trash from a post-industrial site that has not seen restoration in over a century. These actions directly support the recovery of steelhead habitat by improving water quality, reducing invasive pressure, and restoring native vegetation along the stream corridor.
This restoration weekend marks the beginning of a long-term effort to bring this important steelhead habitat back to life. Come get your hands dirty and be part of the first step in restoring this landscape!

Event Details
• When: Friday & Saturday, April 17–18, 2025, from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM
• Where: 4777 Crooked Palm Rd, Ventura, CA
• Who: All ages and skill levels welcome