MAGIC AND MAYHEM HIGHLIGHT 2006 HOUSTON
SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL
Just as 17th century audiences reveled in the works of William
Shakespeare under the stars at the legendary Globe Theatre, Houstonians
have also come to enjoy the Bard’s work beneath the glow of
the night’s skies.
For the 32nd year, the University of Houston and the City of Houston
team up to present the Houston Shakespeare Festival (HSF) in Hermann
Park’s Miller Outdoor Theatre. This year’s productions,
“The Tempest” directed by Sidney Berger, UH School of
Theatre director, and “Titus Andronicus” directed by
Carolyn Houston Boone, UH associate professor of theater, will be
performed July 29 - Aug. 12.
“Shakespeare’s plays continue to resonate with audiences,”
Berger said. “These works often articulate the major questions
of everyday life in ways that are so compelling, that certain lines
or scenes live on in people’s memories.”
“The Tempest” is the final play written by Shakespeare.
It tells the tale of wizard and deposed duke Prospero, who lives
on an island and uses his magic to manipulate those who have wronged
him and those who love him. Professional stage veteran Ken Ruta
will portray Prospero.
Set in ancient Rome, “Titus Andronicus” is considered
one of Shakespeare’s most violent plays. Turmoil erupts when
the Roman emperor dies and a successor is chosen. This production,
however, presents a new take on the bloody story. Since graphic
violence is often taken to new extremes in film, director Boone
has decided to employ a new technique for illustrating the carnage
of each battle or murder.
“A chorus of actors will present an object or a happening
to represent the blood letting,” Boone said. “During
the play’s first death, instead of blood on the actor, two
cast members pour stage blood into a glass container that stays
on stage throughout the show.
Since its inception in 1975, HSF has entertained nearly a half
million theatergoers with free performances in Hermann Park’s
Miller Outdoor Theatre. HSF is a recognized Equity theatre and is
a member of the League of Resident Theatres.
Performances begin at 8:30 p.m. Admission is free, but tickets
are required for covered seating and are available at the Miller
box office between 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. and one hour prior to each
performance. For more information, call the box office at 713-284-8352
or visit www.hfac.uh.edu/theatre/performances_houstonshakespearefestival.html.
WHAT: |
The 2006 Houston Shakespeare
Festival: “The Tempest” and “Titus Andronicus” |
WHEN: |
“The Tempest”: 8:30
p.m. July 29, Aug. 2, 4, 10, 12
“Titus Andronicus: 8:30 p.m. July 30, Aug. 3, 5, 9,
11 |
WHERE: |
Miller Outdoor Theater in Hermann
Park |
WHO: |
The University of Houston’s
School of Theatre and the City of Houston |
For more information about UH visit
the universitys Newsroom at www.uh.edu/admin/media/newsroom.
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