eugene o'neill Festival 2026
two plays at tao house!
Live Performances Sep 12–26
This year, the Eugene O’Neill Foundation is proud to bring TWO plays to the Old Barn Theatre at Tao House. First up is Sheila Forsey’s Teddy (Sep 12–13): a gripping story of family fractures and secrets that come to light at Christmas with dramatic consequences. Then headlining the Festival is O’Neill’s comedy of recollection, Ah, Wilderness! (Sep 17–20, Sep 26): a warm, light-hearted coming of age story presented as an imaginative radio play.
Teddy by Sheila Forsey
Sep 12–13 (Sat 7:30pm, Sun 1:30pm)
Shows at Tao House with shuttle from Museum of the San Ramon Valley map it(opens in new tab)
Opening this year’s Festival is the US premiere of Teddy, a powerful and heart-wrenching story of family ties, home, and secrets. Written by Irish playwright Sheila Forsey and directed by Eric Fraisher Hayes, Teddy features the original Irish and American cast from its international premiere in 2024. The Foundation is excited to once again collaborate with our friends from the O’Neill International Festival in Ireland and welcomes the New Ross and Wexford delegations on opening night.
Produced with the generous support of the New Ross Municipal District of Wexford County Council.
Tickets here(opens in new tab)
Ah, Wilderness! by Eugene O’Neill
Sep 17–20 (Thu–Sat 7:30pm, Sun 1:30pm)
Shows at Tao House with shuttle from Museum of the San Ramon Valley map it(opens in new tab)
Sep 26 (Sat 1:30pm and 7:30pm)
Shows at The Village Theatre map it(opens in new tab)
O’Neill’s “comedy of recollection” Ah, Wilderness! is a story set over a Fourth of July weekend. The play contrasts with O'Neill's usual dramas, depicting a loving family as 16-year-old Richard navigates young love, teenage rebellion, and small town sensibilities. We welcome Director Titian Lish back to Tao House as she directs an engaging radio play format for this telling of O’Neill’s nostalgic imagined family.
Tao House tickets here(opens in new tab)
Village Theatre tickets here(opens in new tab)
OTHER FESTIVAL EVENTS
Summer Book Club
Aug 5 (Wed, 4:30pm)
MuseumSRV (Waiting Room) map it(opens in new tab)
A Eugene O’Neill Festival 2026 Event (Free to participate!)
Read Eugene O’Neill’s Ah, Wilderness! play and Betty Smith’s A Tree Grows in Brooklyn novel, then join us for a friendly discussion on Aug 5 at MuseumSRV in downtown Danville. More info
Tao House - 50 Years of Celebrating Arts and Culture: “The Gates of Tao House Must Be Opened”
Sep 5–27 (during Museum hours)
MuseumSRV map it(opens in new tab)
Visit this 50th anniversary audio and visual exhibit as we honor those who helped “open the gates of Tao House” and reflect on past performances, programs, artists, and archival materials. More here(opens in new tab)
Whiskey Stroll
Downtown Danville; concierge table at Auburn Lounge map it(opens in new tab)
Sep 9 (Wed 6–8pm)
Join Irish chanty singers and Festival friends for a unique pairing of whiskey tastes in downtown Danville. Advanced tickets $30 donation($35 at door if not sold out). Check in at the O’Neill Festival concierge table (patio/back room Auburn Lounge) to receive a wristband and souvenir shot glass.
Tickets here(opens in new tab)
Festival Preview
Aug 11 (Tue 6pm)
Danville Library map it(opens in new tab)
Join us for a sneak peek into the upcoming Eugene O’Neill Festival events and our two featured plays with Eugene O'Neill Foundation, Tao House Artistic Director Eric Fraisher Hayes. More info(opens in new tab)
O’Neill’s Danville Historic Walk
Sep 19 (Sat 10am)
O'Neill Commemorative Park, Front Street
Free guided tour through old town Danville with local guides to discover the secrets of O’Neill’s Danville. More info(opens in new tab)
Eugene O'Neill International Festival of Theatre
Oct 14-18, 2026
New Ross, Ireland
Travel with the Ah, Wilderness! cast and production team to New Ross, Ireland for an unforgettable international experience.
Download the brochure here(
Legacy Fundraiser with Sam Robards
Sep 27 (Sun 4–7pm)
Round Hill Country Club map it(opens in new tab)
A special Legacy Fundraiser celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Eugene O’Neill Foundation. Sam Robards, Tony Award–nominated actor and son of legendary actors Jason Robards and Lauren Bacall, will join us to honor his family's lasting connection to the Foundation. More info(opens in new tab)
Thank You to our Generous Supporters!
We hope to see you there!
The Eugene O’Neill Festival: a history
Since 1999, the annual Eugene O’Neill Festival has celebrated dramatic theatre in the San Francisco Bay Area. Similarly-themed plays from classic playwrights and O’Neill contemporaries are chosen for production at various locations in Danville with the centerpiece O’Neill show being performed at Tao House itself. In 2013, the festival grew to a month-long event which now includes a guided hike to the Tao House property, a historic tour of Danville, special exhibits at the Museum of San Ramon Valley, seminars with dramaturgs, actors and directors, and several social events.