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Show Utah Shakespearean Festival Begins 22nd Summer Season r - " i i)i J ' ? -J "Within this wooden 0..." Shakespeare said it first, and themed to these famous lines from Henry V, the Utah Shakespearean Festival is optimistically preparing for its 22nd summer season, centered in the world famous Adams Memorial Shakespearean Theatre, a present day "wooden 0" located on the campus of Southern Utah State College. Plays scheduled for production in a season running from July 14 through August 27 are "The Two Gentlemen of Verona," "Henry V" and "The Merchant of Venice," as well as matinee productions produc-tions of "The Monarchs of England" featuring this summer the "Times of Henry V" and "The Two Gentlemen of Verona." In addition to the plays, the Festival traditionally offers a nightly green,show, new this summer with Commedia dell 'Arte, Court Dancing and Village Faire, plus daytime tours, seminars and continuing art exhibits presented through the College and community. A layman's orientation to the play introduces each evening. As Shakespeare lives again in the red rock mountains of Southern Utah, there is reason for the Festival's optimism. Advance Ad-vance ticket sales continue to rise, casting sessions are completed successfully (with the acting company again chosen from over 800 applicants), and top directing and design personnel are committed to provide historical authenticity and ac- I curacy. J Daytime activities have been scheduled f for each day of the week, but these ac- tivities permit and encourage flexibility to f allow patrons time to enjoy the f, magnificent scenery and national parks surrounding Cedar City. Scheduled 8 daytime activities include literary seminars which may be taken for college j credit, production seminars which feature J various aspects of the Festival production, produc-tion, backstage tours and self-guided j tours of Cedar City. Special opening j weekend activities include a Bard's Banquet and Festival Days sales. 1 Opening play for the 1983 season is "The Two Gentlemen of Verona," a story of love, friendship and romantic complication. com-plication. The plot explores the relative values of friendship versus love, and in which relationship the greater obligation lies. Some of Shakespeare's most delightful characters -- princes, clowns, outlawsand lovers romp through field and forest in this farce, which foreshadowed the later romantic comedies. This summer's sum-mer's production is directed by James Edmondson, remembered by last season's Festival audiences for his popular direction of "Romeo and Juliet." Douglas Marmee will costume this year's production, scheduled to be seen each Monday and Thursday during the season. TOUCHSTONE from 1982 production "As You Like It." Costume designs by Leslie Robison. I , Y" J x I "Henry V" climaxes the story of the wastrel prince who became an effective king, and this concluding segment tells of Henry's war with France and his marriage to French Princess Katherine, which briefly united the two countries. The Utah Shakespearean Festival version of these proceedings began in 1981, and under the unified direction of Howard Jensen, who has overseen all three segments, the plot thread is readily perceivable. "Henry V" will play each Tuesday and Friday during the season, and is costumed this summer by veteran Festival designer Felice Proctor. The perennially popular "Merchant of Venice" has appeared at the Festival three previous times: 1962 when it was part of the original season, 1968 and 1975. Its popularity lies in its exploration of the age-old problem of minority group treatment, and the play is best seen in terms of the opposition between Portia and what she represents and Shylock and what he represents. The play couples all the trappings of romantic comedy with a ' 1 ? 'If: t ,' , 1 . skillful weaving together of four separate stories, and gives audiences Shylock, one of Shakespeare's most powerful and ambiguous dramatic creations in a powerful tale of hatred and greed. Directing the 1983 production is Margaret Hahn, who has been with the Festival several years in directing and management assignments, and costuming is by Beth Novak. Rounding out the directing credits, Fred C. Adams, Festival Founder, directs "The Monarchs. of England," and Betsy Hamilton oversses production of the Greenshow. For ticket information please write Utah Shakespearean Festival, Cedar City, Utah or telephone (801) 586-7878 after June 6. Tickets for 1984' season are on sale at the Box Office beginning July 14. Plays scheduled for the 1984 season which runs July 12 through August 29 are "The Taming of the Shrew," "The Tempest" and ' 'Troilus and Cressida OUTDOORS IN GREENSHOW AREA just adjacent to Festival grounds. Green dancing, Punch and Judy puppet show, madrigal singer, all part of atmosphere. . . |
