UCI Arts Alumnus Julian Tushabe Performs in The Public Theater’s Free Shakespeare in the Park

The 2025 graduate joins the cast of Twelfth Night at the newly revitalized Delacorte Theater in Central Park

UC Irvine Claire Trevor School of the Arts Department of Drama alumnus Julian Tushabe (M.F.A. ’25) recently made his postgrad debut in Twelfth Night at The Public Theater’s Free Shakespeare in the Park. The production, directed by The Public Theater’s associate artistic director and Tony Award nominee Saheem Ali, at the newly renovated Delacorte Theater in Central Park.

Image: (far right) Julian Tushabe during a performance of Twelfth Night. Photo by Joan Marcus.

The revival marks the return of the beloved summer tradition following a major transformation of the Delacorte, which is now more welcoming, sustainable and accessible to audiences. The cast features acclaimed performers including Peter Dinklage, Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Lupita Nyong’o and Sandra Oh. Tushabe appears as part of the ensemble and serves as understudy for Sebastian, one of Shakespeare’s iconic twins caught in a whirlwind of mistaken identities and romance.

“I truly can’t overstate how much joy I’ve felt throughout this process,” said Tushabe. “Beyond the obvious honor of collaborating with such an embarrassment of talent, the generosity, camaraderie, and spirit of play from everyone involved with this production has been overwhelming.”

Tushabe first connected with his current representatives through UC Irvine’s New York showcase at Joe’s Pub at The Public Theater. Through that connection, his manager reached out about an opportunity to serve as a reader during auditions for this production. After flying to New York for the role, Tushabe was subsequently invited to audition himself.

Image: Julian Tushabe in the Delacorte Theater.

Born in Kenya and raised in Uganda, Tushabe brings a global perspective to his artistry. Now based in Harlem, New York, he is committed to telling stories that reflect the African diaspora with authenticity and care. His training at UC Irvine included roles in productions such as The Mountaintop, Much Ado About Nothing, Cabaret and The Brothers Paranormal experiences that helped prepare him for the professional stage.

Tushabe also attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the revitalized Delacorte Theater earlier this summer, marking a milestone moment both for The Public and Tushabe's future in live performance.

For more information about the Department of Drama, visit drama.arts.uci.edu. To learn more about Julian Tushabe, visit his website at juliantushabe.com. For information about The Public Theater, visit publictheater.org.