Santa Barbara audiences are about to get a behind-the-scenes look at the making of a cinematic classic, but not on a screen. The Ensemble Theatre Company is presenting the West Coast premiere of “The Shark Is Broken,” a play that dives into the chaotic and often hilarious reality of filming “Jaws.” The production opens and runs through .
The play, written by Ian Shaw, is based on journals kept by his father, Robert Shaw, who famously portrayed the obsessive shark hunter Quint in the 1975 blockbuster. As Executive Artistic Director Scott Devine quipped, “We’re gonna need a bigger theater!” – a playful nod to the iconic line from the film.
But the drama wasn’t confined to the screen. The production promises to reveal the challenges faced by the cast and crew, largely stemming from the persistent malfunctions of the mechanical shark that was central to the film. For weeks, the three lead actors – Robert Shaw, Roy Scheider, and Richard Dreyfuss – found themselves adrift, both literally and figuratively, on the set’s boat, the “Orca,” while waiting for the temperamental prop to cooperate.
“It’s Hollywood chaos at its finest,” Devine said. “The witty play captures the reality of three legendary actors’ egos clashing and the messy, hilarious reality behind movie magic. Those days that did not make it to the screen embody a story just as compelling as the film itself.”
The timing of the production is particularly resonant, coming a year after the 50th anniversary of “Jaws” and coinciding with the Santa Barbara International Film Festival. The play serves as a unique companion piece, offering a different perspective on a film that redefined the summer blockbuster.
Gildart Jackson portrays Robert Shaw in this production, returning to the Ensemble stage after appearing in “Parents in Chains.” Will Block takes on the role of Richard Dreyfuss, also a familiar face to Ensemble audiences, having previously played the title role in “Hamlet.” Adam Poole makes his company debut as Roy Scheider, having previously performed the role at the North Carolina Stage Company in Asheville.
Poole emphasized the unexpected benefit of the malfunctioning shark. “That meant that it couldn’t be shown as much as the director Spielberg originally planned,” he explained. “But not seeing the shark made the film that much better.” He also shared a personal connection to the film, recounting how a college roommate’s fandom and a recent IMAX viewing solidified his appreciation for “Jaws.”
The production’s director, Pesha Rudnick, also making her Ensemble debut, was drawn to the complex relationships between the three actors. “I liked the friction, the tension and the games they played with each other while being trapped on this boat for eight weeks,” she said. Both Poole and Rudnick highlighted the significant impact the “Orca” itself had on the actors, describing it as almost a fourth character in the play.
To immerse themselves in the experience, the cast even spent a day rehearsing on a fishing boat similar in size to the “Orca.” “On the boat, it became apparent that we have a 360-degree ocean view around us at all times,” Poole said. “Even though the audience is on one side, the ocean setting affects us as actors.”
The play delves into the individual dynamics of the three stars at different stages of their careers. Robert Shaw, a seasoned actor known for his intensity, was grappling with self-doubt, questioning whether his star power was waning. Richard Dreyfuss, fresh off the success of “American Graffiti,” brought a youthful confidence and brashness to the set. Roy Scheider, having already established himself with roles in “Klute” and “The French Connection,” attempted to maintain a sense of calm amidst the chaos.
“Scheider is the most even-keeled of the three, pun intended,” Poole noted. “For my character, this play is a lot about the power of the ocean. He’s afraid of water when it starts. He’s trying to keep the drama off-screen to a minimum, but even Scheider has his breaking point.”
Rudnick, who also leads theater curriculum and playwriting residencies at UCSB, highlighted a new partnership between the university’s Department of Theater and Dance and Ensemble Theatre Company. This collaboration aims to bridge the gap between academic and professional theater, offering students opportunities to gain practical experience and contribute to productions like “The Shark Is Broken.” Students have been involved in various capacities, including acting, assistant directing, and dramaturgy.
“The Shark Is Broken” is a celebration of filmmaking, particularly one of the most iconic movies ever made. As Devine put it, “It’s a love letter to cinema.” The play offers a glimpse behind the curtain, revealing the human stories and unexpected challenges that shaped a cultural phenomenon.
