Free Shakespeare in the bay area provided by Shady Shakespeare Theatre Company. SSTC will present William Shakespeares The Merry Wives of Windsor," directed by Dinna Myers, and Measure for Measure," directed by Jeff Bengford, at the Outdoor Stage of Sanborn-Skyline County Park located at 16055 Sanborn Road (off Highway 9) in Saratoga, Calif.
SAN Jose, CA (PRWEB) July 9, 2005 -- Shady Shakespeare Theatre Company (SSTC), will present William Shakespeares The Merry Wives of Windsor," directed by Dinna Myers, and Measure for Measure," directed by Jeff Bengford, at the Outdoor Stage of Sanborn-Skyline County Park located at 16055 Sanborn Road (off Highway 9) in Saratoga, Calif. All performances are free to the public and no tickets are required.
We have been hearing ‘We want more! from our audience for years and I am really thrilled that this year we are able to provide a two show season. Shakespeare wrote about what it is to be human, and illuminates the unspoken parts of the human soul. In performing these two drastically different shows in repertory with each other, we have the opportunity to look at many facets of humanity side by side, showing deeper connections with the plays and our own lives." said Sara Betts, SSTCs Co-founder and Artistic Director.
The Merry Wives of Windsor," presented by SSTC within the social morays of 1950s America, is a farcical comedy about lust, trust and justice; whereas Measure for Measure," set among the seedier 1970s of promiscuity, is a serious and investigative look into those themes.
When I read The Merry Wives of Windsor" for the first time, I was immediately struck by how Shakespeare had stolen the plot and characters for this crafty play directly from the ‘golden age of television. The entire play is nothing if not a direct filching of every good situation comedy of the 1950s, aka the Honeymooners," I love Lucy," Father Knows Best," Leave it To Beaver," and with just a ‘soupcon of the Gracie and Allen Show." To bring this great thievery to light, I proposed presenting this show, revealing it as a blatant plagiarism and giving credit where it is clearly due." said, Dinna Myers, SSTCs Co-founder and Managing Director, and Director of The Merry Wives of Windsor."
Measure for Measure" brings audiences back to the 1970s. The 1970s Times Square of ‘Midnight Cowboy and ‘Taxi Driver where the entire area seemed to be smoked in the ashes of hell spewing out of the manholes. A Times Square dominated by peep shows, porn shops, and the people that prowled the polluted streets." said Jeff Bengford, Director of Measure for Measure."
All shows are funded this year in part by a grant from the Arts Council of Silicon Valley, in partnership with the County of Santa Clara and the California Arts Council. Two generous sponsors provided donations and a grant to SSTC, Cinnabar Winery, Royal Sponsor for 2005, and Applied Materials. These gracious sponsors together with Shady Shakespeare Theatres Companys (SSTC) newly formed Artistic Ensemble offer the cast a full compliment of support and inspiration in the creation of this landmark dual-show season. Shows will be presented on the following dates, and begin at 7 pm.:
The Merry Wives of Windsor"
Aug. 12, 13, 14, 26, 27
Sept. 4,9,10, 18
Measure for Measure"*
Aug. 19, 20, 21, 28
Sept. 2, 3, 11, 16, 17
Those interested in attending any of the free performances should note that public parking is available at Sanborn-Skyline Park for a fee of $5.00 per vehicle. Some seating will be provided, but audience members are invited to bring blankets or low back chairs to the performances as alternative seating options. Audience members should dress in layers, as it gets cool in the evening. Families and picnics are welcome. Wine, assorted beverages and snacks will all be available at the concessions stand.
For more information about these productions contact Shady Shakespeare Theatre Company at 408-298-0649 or visit http://www.shadyshakes.org.
- The SSTC production of Measure for Measure" contains adult oriented themes.
About Shady Shakespeare
Shady Shakespeare Theatre Company (SSTC) is the only outdoor theatre company based in the South Bay dedicated to providing free public performances of William Shakespeares and other notable authors works to communities of the Peninsula and South Bay since 1999. Performing at various venues including Sanborn Skyline County Park in Saratoga, SSTC believes in the power of Shakespeares works to speak to modern audiences, and that his works provide are just as enjoyable, moving, enlightening and accessible today as they were during Elizabethan England. Headquartered in San Jose, CA, SSTC is affiliated with Theatre Bay Area, the Nomadic Theatre & Dance Company Task Force, and with the Silicon Valley Arts Coalition.
www.shadyshakes.org
About Bohemian Works
Since 2000, Bohemian Works provides the art of public relations to numerous high tech, political and non-profit clients. Specializing in ‘left-of-center solutions for messaging needs, Bohemian Works is known for its not-so-average but cunningly creative approach to public, private and media outreach. BW can be reached at 408.269.3541, or via E-mail: lauralazzarini@yahoo.com.
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