A publication of the Shakespeare Theatre Company ASIDES 2010|2011 SEASON • Issue 4
Society rules in An Ideal Husband
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STC Education
Will on the Hill 4 Before the Fall Dear Friend, by Justin Schneider A publication of the Shakespeare Theatre Company Welcome to the fourth play of the 2010-2011 Season, Oscar Wilde’s 5 Upcoming Events witty comedy An Ideal Husband. I have wanted to stage this play for ASIDES several years, and I know that it is in the hands of the right director. 6 An Ideal Husband Cast Keith Baxter has a talent for period plays, as you may remember from and Director’s Words his charming Shakespeare Theatre Company productions which include Artistic Director Michael Kahn Mrs. Warren’s Profession, The Rivals and The Imaginary Invalid. 7 An Ideal Husband Managing Director Artistic Team This is the third Wilde play that the Shakespeare Theatre Company has produced. Chris Jennings I directed A Woman of No Importance in 1998 and Keith directed Lady Windermere’s Fan in 2005, both to great success. An Ideal Husband shares their Director of Marketing 8 Dressing Wilde and Communications comic sensibility but adds a timely political dimension. What better place than Washington, D.C., to explore scandalous pasts and the difficulty of separating the Darby Lunceford STC’s 25th Anniversary 11 personal from the political? Communications Manager Diane Metzger 12 Expanding STC Education In addition to focusing on the current season, we are looking ahead to celebrating by Dat Ngo Publicist our 25th anniversary. As I hope you have heard, we recently announced our Lindsay Mady 2011–2012 Season. Details about the productions can be found on page 15. 14 Theatre at 60% Marketing and Thank you for joining us this season, and I hope to see you again during the next. Communications Intern ReDiscovery Lauren McGrath 15 Best, Senior Graphic Designer 16 Calendars Ricardo Alvarez
Associate Graphic Designer 20 Old Times Nicole Geldart Michael Kahn Will on the Hill Artistic Director, Shakespeare Theatre Company Graphic Design Intern 21 Raphael Davison 22 Harman Events Contributing Writers Happenings at the Harman Akiva Fox Dear Friend, Dat Ngo Justin Schneider 23 NT Live What a great season it’s been so far and yet, there is more to look forward to. This spring, we will welcome thousands of theatregoers 24 The Washington Ballet: to the Shakespeare Theatre Company for a variety of productions Lansburgh Theatre Carmen and programs. 450 7th Street NW Washington, DC 20004-2207 Our mainstage production, An Ideal Husband, begins March 8. The NT Live series, Synetic Theater: King Lear 25 which broadcasts performances from London’s National Theatre in high definition, Sidney Harman Hall continues with Frankenstein, directed by Danny Boyle (Academy Award-winning 610 F Street NW 26 Audience Services Washington, DC 20004-2207 director, Slumdog Millionaire). Our partners in the Washington, D.C., arts community are busy as well. Synetic Theater will present their “Silent Shakespeare” King Lear Box Office 27 Bard Association at the Lansburgh Theatre, and we will welcome The Washington Ballet’s Carmen to 202.547.1122 Sidney Harman Hall in May.
Administrative Offices 516 8th Street SE In addition to these productions, STC offers many free events and discussions Washington, DC 20003-2834 throughout the year. We invite you to discuss An Ideal Husband with STC’s artistic
202.547.3230 CONTENTS team, leading artists and local scholars at Windows and Classics in Context. The Happenings at the Harman series, held on Wednesdays at noon, continues to feature performances by some of the area’s prominent artists. Details about these ShakespeareTheatre.org programs can be found in this publication and on our website. Asides.ShakespeareTheatre.org We would not be able to present these many options without your support. As
Cover photo of Gregory Wooddell by subscribers, volunteers and theatregoers, you continue to help STC realize its vision Scott Suchman. of serving as the nation’s premier destination for classical theatre. I thank you.
Sincerely, Connect with Us!
Chris Jennings Managing Director, Shakespeare Theatre Company
3 The audience was full of luminaries, in 1999, starring Rupert Everett and and the Prince of Wales summoned Julianne Moore. This recent boom in Wilde to his box after the play. Wilde popularity shows that, more than a apologized for its length, but the century after it opened, An Ideal Husband Prince replied, “Pray, do not take out remains more relevant than ever. a single word.” Times may change, but our fascination Before the Fall with the private lives of public figures As Wilde’s professional star continued never flags. by Justin Schneider, Artistic Fellow to rise, however, his personal life would lead to his downfall. Wilde was engaged in a passionate affair with a Upcoming Events for young nobleman, Lord Alfred Douglas. An Ideal Husband Douglas’ father, the Marquess of Queensberry, furiously disapproved. Open Rehearsal FREE Matters escalated in February 1895, Sunday, February 27 when the Marquess left a calling card at Seatings at 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. Wilde’s club: “For Oscar Wilde, posing Sidney Harman Hall* somdomite [sic].” Wilde’s friends urged Windows FREE caution, but high on success and at Sunday, March 13, 5 p.m. Douglas’ urging, Wilde instead sued The Forum in Sidney Harman Hall* the Marquess for libel. The trial was a Engage in a lively discussion with local disaster, as Queensberry was easily able scholars and the artistic staff. to expose Wilde’s liaisons with other men. Wilde was charged with “gross Post-Performance Discussion FREE indecency.” Like Sir Robert Chiltern, Wednesday, March 23, after the performance Wilde decided not to back down from Sidney Harman Hall* a threat. Unlike Sir Robert, Wilde Ask questions of the acting company. y 1893, it seemed that Oscar Wilde Wilde claimed to have written the lost. The subsequent trials and prison Bhad done everything. Originally first act “in every detail, as it was sentence destroyed his reputation Classics in Context FREE celebrated for his work as a poet and ultimately performed” in a single week and health. Saturday, April 2 at 5 p.m. lecturer, Wilde became an influential in September 1893, and he completed The Forum in Sidney Harman Hall* journalist, editor and critic. His sole the play in London that December. The Though the lighter The Importance Learn about the social and cultural novel, The Picture of Dorian Gray, shocked “ideal husband” is Sir Robert Chiltern, of Being Earnest has become more context of our plays during this Victorian readers and cemented his a well-respected politician whose famous, An Ideal Husband has matured roundtable discussion. Reservations not required. literary reputation. By the time he career was built on a single dishonest well over time. George Bernard Shaw
started writing An Ideal Husband, Wilde act. When the devious Mrs. Cheveley greatly preferred it, writing that Wilde had added the title of successful blackmails him with that information, “plays with everything: with wit, with SPECIAL EVENT! playwright. His previous two comedies, he finds both his reputation and his philosophy, with drama, with actors An Ideal Husband Symposium Lady Windermere’s Fan and A Woman marriage in danger. The dandy Lord and audience, with the whole theater.” Presented in partnership with of No Importance, had played to great Goring makes for a surprising savior. In Like Shakespeare, Wilde improved Dana Gioia and The Aspen Institute. Saturday, March 26 success in London. addition to thwarting the blackmailer, where he stole; An Ideal Husband is 10:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m. Goring must reconcile Sir Robert and one of the best Victorian melodramas The Forum in Sidney Harman Hall Work on An Ideal Husband began in his wife, who can’t love a man who is despite mocking convention (not one Tickets $20; student tickets $5. the summer of 1893 in the town of less than ideal. The play’s opening, on but four blackmail attempts!). The play experienced a renaissance in Goring-on-Thames (the character of January 3, 1895, at the Theatre Royal, *Seating for all events is based on availability Lord Goring is named after the place). Haymarket, was a triumph. the 1990s, with Sir Peter Hall’s 1992 on a first-come, first-served basis. West End production transferring to Broadway in 1996. This was followed by a well-received feature film adaptation
4 For tickets call 202.547.1122 or visit ShakespeareTheatre.org. Photo of Oscar Wilde by Napoleon Sarony, 1882. 5 ARTISTIC TEAM Keith Baxter DIRECTOR’S WORDS Director In Lady Windermere’s Fan and A Woman of Simon Higlett No Importance, the tensions are domestic, Set Designer In Oscar Wilde’s Lady Windermere’s Fan was his first and concern a small group of people. In An Robert Perdziola day, London was success in 1892. He followed it in 1894 Ideal Husband, he wrote about a section of Costume Designer ruled by Society. with A Woman of No Importance. Then England that was the most powerful echelon Although Wilde in 1895, An Ideal Husband triumphed of government and of wealth, and that’s a Peter West Lighting Designer passed through in front of a first-night audience that different kettle of fish. It’s not just a domestic the rooms of included the Prince of Wales and the crisis that is being dealt with: it is a major Martin Desjardins Sound Designer Society, he was Prime Minister. And he followed it a political crisis. I feel very much that the not a part of it. month later with his masterwork, The background is not as frivolous as it was in the Stuart Howard, Amy Schecter It was a closed Importance of Being Earnest. other two plays. I think it reflects Wilde’s own and Paul Hardt Casting order—you could only be in it if you increasing sense of cynicism about the world were immensely wealthy or had a But by the time he wrote An Ideal that he was living in. Joyce Nettles Casting title. At this time, the British Empire Husband, his life had undergone a Additional Casting controlled vast swaths of the world, and sea of change. His obsessive love for People go to Wilde’s plays expecting witty Daniel Rehbehn London was the most powerful city in the beautiful but corrupt Lord Alfred dialogue and ladies and gentlemen beautifully Resident Casting Director the world. It was a particularly beautiful Douglas had overwhelmed him. It had dressed. Of course you get that, but what Ellen O’Brien period, recorded in many pictures by also driven him to despair, and it is you also get in An Ideal Husband is a kind Voice and Dialect Coach the American portrait painter John possible to hear in the play Wilde’s of arrogance. The principal character has Anne Nesmith Singer Sargent (the inspiration for cynicism about Society and the world committed a crime which has made his Wig Designer Robert Perdziola’s costumes). So it in which he lived. “What this century fortune. It’s still a wonderful comedy, but it Akiva Fox was an amazing confluence of power, worships is wealth. The God of this also mirrors Wilde’s arrogance that he could Literary Associate fashion and wealth. They didn’t know, century is wealth. To succeed one get away with anything—flouting the rules as we know, that it was the last, glorious must have wealth. At all costs one of Society in his own life. At the beginning of Jenny Lord Assistant Director sunset of the British Empire. Wilde’s must have wealth.” In its discussion 1895, Wilde was at the peak of his success, and plays show a Society that was about of insider dealing, financial schemes within a few months, he was in jail. Society Brandon Prendergast* Stage Manager to disappear, and that gives them a and scams, the play has a great deal of shut the door on him. That’s the way that particular poignancy. resonance today. England worked. Benjamin Royer* Assistant Stage Manager
AN IDEAL HUSBAND CAST
LOGAN DALBELLO PRINZ FRIEDRICH
ENSEMBLE TRAVIS BLUMER LOUIS CUPP CAITLIN DIANA DOYLE KEVIN BERGEN* CLAIRE BROWNELL* LISE BRUNEAU* NICK DILLENBURG* CAMERON FOLMAR* WARREN KATZ* FLOYD KING* GREG GALLAGHER MR. MONTFORD MABEL CHILTERN MRS. MARCHMONT VICOMTE DE NANJAC LORD GORING MASON PHIPPS EMILY JOSHI-POWELL MARTHA KARL JOHN WILLIAM SCHIFFBAUER PAUL STUART†
* Member of Actors’ Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers.
†Appearing courtesy of TESSA KLEIN* RACHEL PICKUP* EMILY RAYMOND* NANCY ROBINETTE* DAVID SABIN* ANNE STONE* GREGORY WOODDELL* Actors’ Equity Association THE COUNTESS LADY CHILTERN MRS. CHEVELEY LADY MARKBY THE EARL OF DUCHESS OF SIR ROBERT CHILTERN 6 OF BASILDON CAVERSHAM, K.G. MARYBOROUGH 7 Perdziola chose Dressing Wilde cool, “icy” tones for Lady Chiltern’s an interview with Robert Perdziola costumes. “Keith Baxter wanted her very much to be the An Ideal Husband is the 13th Shakespeare ice princess, refusing Theatre Company production for which Robert to see the flaws Perdziola has served as Costume Designer. Of his of her husband, wanting to believe past 12 shows, two were Oscar Wilde plays, six she’s in a perfect were directed by Keith Baxter and three earned marriage,” he said. Perdziola much-deserved Helen Hayes Awards. Perdziola discusses some of the costumes for An Ideal Husband, sketched and painted with his signature attention to detail. These sketches serve not only as a costuming blueprint, but also as vivid depictions of Wilde’s characters themselves.
Mrs. Cheveley’s dramatic dress was originally envisioned by Oscar Wilde. “That purple dress is specifically mentioned in the script,” Perdziola said. “The designer’s problem is to come Mrs. Cheveley’s bold up with the perfect costumes are designed shade of heliotrope.” to contrast with the light colored dresses worn by Lady Chiltern and the rest of the women in the cast. “Mrs. Cheveley is vivid, and everybody else is pale,” Perdziola explained. “She’s the intruder.”
8 For tickets call 202.547.1122 or visit ShakespeareTheatre.org. Costume renderings by Robert Perdziola. 9 2011–2012 The Shakespeare Theatre Company salutes the production sponsor of An Ideal Husband.
Free For All presented by Target William Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar August 18–September 4, 2011 Eugene O’Neill’s
WORLD Strange Interlude PREMIERE Jean-François Regnard’s March 27–April 29, 2012 the Heir Apparent adapted by David Ives Carlo Goldoni’s September 6–October 23, 2011 the Servant William Shakespeare’s of Two Masters Much Ado May 15–July 1, 2012 About Nothing November 23, 2011–January 1, 2012 William Shakespeare’s the Merry Wives William Shakespeare’s of Windsor the Two Gentlemen June 12–July 15, 2012 of Verona January 17–March 4, 2012
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Costume rendering by Robert Perdziola. *Show titles and dates subject to change 11 EXPLORE. ENGAGE. EXPAND.
Seeking to make Shakespeare and classical theatre exciting both on and off the stage, STC has developed over the years more Expanding than a dozen educational programs to reach an ever-expanding base of diverse constituents with a vast array of needs. STC Education Serving thousands of participants annually, by Dat Ngo these programs include:
• The SHAKESPEARIENCE student matinee program, which brings thousands of students from all over the greater metropolitan area to see live performances at Sidney Harman Hall and the Lansburgh Theatre. What is the purpose of an education department at a not-for-profit theatre? • Text Alive! and other innovative in-school residencies empower thousands of students in the District a. Foster the next generation of theatre c. Provide young artists and its surrounding suburbs to audiences, artists and professionals with an outlet for perform Shakespeare’s work on creative exploration our stages. b. Engage audiences in meaningful dialogue and expression and experiences with mainstage artists, • Master Acting Classes and Camp scholars and educators d. All of the above Shakespeare provide multiple opportunities for adults, teens and If you’re the Education Department of the Shakespeare Theatre young people to study and train in Company, it’s all of the above and much more. classical theatre under the guidance of working professionals, award- winning artists and veterans of the STC mainstage.
Participants rave about the caliber of artists and scholars who • Fun, interactive and challenging form the backbone of STC’s education programs. Under the professional development workshops leadership of STC’s new director of education, Samantha K. Wyer, and intensives for classroom teachers we will continue to offer and expand a variety of programs that and business professionals that best serve participants’ interests, needs and goals. provide acting-based strategies and techniques for application outside of “We hope to expand the opportunities to deepen our audiences’ the theatre. connection to the work on our stages as well as continue • Audience enrichment programs such to provide a bridge to the incredibly bold classics with new as Windows, Classics in Context and audiences,” says Chris Jennings, managing director. Symposia Series give opportunities to discuss Shakespeare Theatre Whether you’re a theatre enthusiast or a practicing theatre artist, Company productions with cast a business professional or high school sophomore, there will members, renowned scholars and always be a program for you at Shakespeare Theatre Company. visiting artists. • Year-long, professional internships “The greater D.C. area needs to know the full range of classes that and fellowships in artistic, production are available to them here at STC,” says Andrew Long, a veteran of and administrative roles that prepare STC’s mainstage and an affiliated teaching artist since 1999. a whole new generation of artists and professionals for successful careers.
Want to learn more about our education programs or add to this
Above photo: Camp Shakespeare student. Photos at right (from top to bottom): Camp Shakespeare students; Master Acting conversation? Visit us at ShakespeareTheatre.org/Education Class students and School Programs Manager Vanessa Buono; Resident Teaching Artist Jim Gagne and Community Access Programs Manager Marcy Spiro at SHAKESPEARIENCE; 2008–2009 Acting Fellows Dan Lawrence and Nathan Bennett. or email us at [email protected]. 12 13 With Donor Support.
Without Donor Support.
Upcoming ReDiscovery Reading
An adaptation of The Liar arose out of our innovative ReDiscovery Series, in which great but lesser-known plays of world literature are examined through live readings in collaboration with guest scholars, translators, adaptors and members of Washington’s theatre community. Works are hosen by Artistic Director Michael Kahn and presented under the direction % of STC’s artistic staff. Other recent productions that originated from the Theatre at 60 ReDiscovery Series include The Dog in the Manger, The Beaux’ Stratagem, Lorenzaccio, Don Carlos and A Woman of No Importance.
The week of February 23 marked the passage of 60% of the Shakespeare Guest scholars, translators and adaptors involved with a ReDiscovery Theatre Company’s season. reading also frequently participate in rehearsal, performance and post- performance discussions. Why is that important? Because that was the week when ticket revenue, which covers 60% of the annual cost of bringing you the very best in non- Join us for our next ReDiscovery Reading! profit classical theatre, ran out (symbolically, that is) and we began to close Carlo Goldoni’s The Superior Residence the gap with other revenue sources. The most important of these are gifts presented as part of the La Dolce DC celebration from our Stars and Artistic Circle members. Monday, April 4 at 7:30 p.m. We are counting on your support for the rest of the season to close the Lansburgh Theatre gap. Member gifts support superb costume and set design and allow us to Seating is on a first-come basis, and engage the very finest actors and directors. Your contributions help bring reservations are required. Shakespeare’s work to more than 10,000 D.C.-area public school children Call 202.547.1122 through Text Alive! and SHAKESPEARIENCE. Ultimately, member gifts set ShakespeareTheatre.org/ReDiscovery the Shakespeare Theatre Company apart by providing artistry at 100%.
Please help us close the gap by becoming a Shakespeare Star, joining the Artistic Circle or including the theatre in your estate plans through the Society of 1616.
To learn more about giving to the Shakespeare Theatre Company, please visit ShakespeareTheatre.org/Support or call the Membership Hotline at 202.547.1122, option 7.
Thank you for your generous support!
Photo (top) Adam Green, Christian Conn and David Sabin by Scott Suchman. Photos (left to right) Michael Hayden and Michelle Hurd by Scott Suchman; Veanne Cox and Christopher Innvar by Carol Rosegg; Chandler Vinton and 14 Photo from Romeo and Juliet by Scott Suchman. Robert Cuccioli by Carol Rosegg. 15 H Sidney Harman Hall L Lansburgh Theatre MARCH Sign-Interpreted Audio-Described SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY FREE EVENTS
1 2 3 4 5 Happenings at H Happenings: L Cymbeline 8:00 L Cymbeline 8:00 L Cymbeline the Harman Changamire noon 2:00 and 8:00 Conversations and An Ideal performances with L Cymbeline noon some of the area’s leading artists. H Cymbeline Divining Seating based on Husband Shakespeare 5:00 availability on a first- come, first-served March 8–April 10 basis. Reservations not required. Artists 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 subject to change. L Cymbeline 2:00 H An Ideal Husband H Happenings: H An Ideal Husband H An Ideal Husband H An Ideal Husband 7:30 Harlie Sponaugle 8:00 8:00 2:00 and 8:00 noon Dates and times subject to change; visit ShakespeareTheatre.org. H An Ideal Husband 7:30 SPECIAL EVENTS 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 H An Ideal Husband H An Ideal Husband H Happenings: H An Ideal Husband H An Ideal Husband H An Ideal Husband Windows 5:00 7:45 Charles Mokotoff 8:00 8:00 2:00 and 8:00 noon H An Ideal Husband L David Alan Grier L David Alan Grier 7:30 OPENING NIGHT H An Ideal Husband 7:15 and 9:45 7:15 and 9:45 7:30
David Alan Grier March 18–April 19 Lansburgh Theatre 20 21 22 23 24 H An Ideal 25 26 H An Ideal Husband H NT Live presents: H An Ideal Husband H Happenings: H An Ideal Husband H An Ideal Husband Husband 8:00 Symposium 10:30 a.m. 2:00 and 7:30 Frankenstein 7:30 Furia Flamenca 8:00 (Version I) 7:30 noon H An Ideal Husband L Synetic Theater’s L Synetic Theater’s 2:00 and 8:00 King Lear 8:00 H An Ideal Husband King Lear 8:00 L Synetic Theater’s King 7:30 Lear 2:00 and 8:00 Post-Performance H Upright Citizens Discussion Brigade H Upright Citizens 7:30 and 9:30 Brigade 7:30 and 9:30
27 28 29 H Happenings: 30 31 H An Ideal Husband H An Ideal Antonini Dance H An Ideal Husband 2:00 and 7:30 Husband noon 8:00 7:30 L Synetic Theater’s H An Ideal Husband L Synetic Theater’s King Lear 2:00 7:30 King Lear 8:00
L Synetic Theater’s King Lear 8:00
SPECIAL EVENTS
NT Live King Lear Upright Citizens Brigade An Ideal Husband Frankenstein (Version I) Synetic Theater Live Improv Comedy Symposium Monday, March 21 March 24–April 24 presented by DCComedy.org March 26 Sidney Harman Hall Lansburgh Theatre March 25–26 The Forum in Sidney Harman Hall See page 23. The Forum in Sidney Harman Hall
16 Photo of Gregory Wooddell by Scott Suchman. 17 APRIL H Sidney Harman Hall L Lansburgh Theatre SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY FREE EVENTS H An Ideal 1 2 ReDiscovery Reading H An Ideal Husband Husband 2:00 and 8:00 Works for the SOLD OUT 8:00 ReDiscovery series MOCK TRIAL H An Ideal Husband are chosen by Artistic L Synetic Theater’s Classics in Context Director Michael King Lear 8:00 5:00 Kahn. Guest artists The Robert Chiltern Affair: join members of the L Synetic Theater’s Washington theatrical King Lear An Ideal Husband’s Dilemma community to 2:00 and 8:00 investigate these great H Happenings: but lesser-known plays 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 of world literature. H An Ideal Husband L ReDiscovery H An Ideal Husband Russian Chamber H An Ideal Husband H An Ideal Husband H An Ideal Husband Reservations required. 2:00 and 7:30 Reading: 7:30 Ensemble Society 8:00 8:00 2:00 and 8:00 The Superior presents Happenings at L Synetic Theater’s Residence 7:30 OperaBelle noon L Synetic Theater’s L Synetic Theater’s L Synetic Theater’s the Harman King Lear 2:00 King Lear 8:00 King Lear 8:00 King Lear H An Ideal Husband Conversations and 2:00 and 8:00 noon and 7:30 performances with L Synetic Theater’s some of the area’s King Lear 8:00 leading artists. Seating based on 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 availability on a first- H An Ideal Husband H Mock Trial 7:30 L Old Times H Happenings: L Synetic Theater’s L Synetic Theater’s L Synetic Theater’s come, first-served 2:00 Meet the Cast Violin Dreams King Lear 8:00 King Lear 8:00 King Lear basis. Reservations 6:00 noon 2:00 and 8:00 not required. Artists L Synetic Theater’s subject to change. King Lear 2:00 L Synetic Theater’s King Lear 8:00 STC STARS EVENT
Meet the Cast 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 Meet the cast and L Synetic Theater’s H Happenings: L Synetic Theater’s L Synetic Theater’s L Synetic Theater’s artistic team of our King Lear 2:00 WPAS 2011 Feder King Lear 8:00 King Lear 8:00 King Lear productions while winners 2:00 and 8:00 enjoying a glass of noon wine and a delightful H NT Live presents: reception with other L Synetic Theater’s Frankenstein Theatre donors. The King Lear 8:00 8:00 (Version II) director will talk about his/her vision for the play, followed by a presentation by the 24 25 25 27 28 29 30 production’s designers. L Synetic Theater’s H Happenings: King Lear 2:00 Julie LeDuc For more information noon about Shakespeare Stars, visit ShakespeareTheatre. org/Support.
FOR AUDIENCE TESTIMONIALS, SPECIAL EVENTS INTERVIEWS, TRAILERS Mock Trial NT Live AND MORE CHECK OUT The Robert Chiltern Affair: Frankenstein An Ideal Husband’s Dilemma (Version II) SHAKESPEARETHEATRE.ORG Monday, April 11 Saturday, April 23 Sidney Harman Hall Sidney Harman Hall SOLD OUT See page 23.
18 Above photo by Scott Suchman. Dates and times subject to change; visit ShakespeareTheatre.org. 19 BEGINS MAY 17 2010|2011 SEASON
Harold Pinter’s The World’s A Stage Monday, May 2, 2011 Old Times Join us for the Shakespeare Theatre directed by Michael Kahn Company’s annual Will on the Hill benefit, one of Washington’s most anticipated Lansburgh Theatre spring events—taking place on Monday, May 2. Over the past three years alone more than 40 Senators and Representatives have served as Honorary Co-Chairs or shown off their acting chops on stage in this humorous benefit, performing scenes from Shakespeare infused with comedic references to contemporary politics. This year they’ll prove once again that Shakespeare had it right when he wrote: “All the world’s a stage, and all the men and women merely players.” Will on the Hill has truly become a cherished Washington tradition among politicos and theatre lovers alike!
Will on the Hill pays tribute to the unique dynamic of our city and raises much needed funds for STC’s education and Memory and reality collide in Nobel community outreach programs. Laureate Harold Pinter’s nostalgic and haunting play, Old Times, as three friends recall their relationship from 20 years prior. What do their memories Tickets on tell us and which interpretation of the past do we believe? Old Times sale now! is an intimate and highly-charged For performance exploration of whether we can only tickets call ever really know another person, 202.547.1122. or even ourselves. Pinter’s classic play, featuring his distinctive poetic style, is directed by Artistic Director Michael Kahn, recently called “one of the best directors in America” (DC Theatre Scene), and marks the STC debut of Holly Twyford, hailed by The Washingtonian as “one of the busiest and best actors in town.” Clive Barnes called Old Times “a joyous, wonderful VIP TICKETS: Join the cast of Will on the Hill play that people will talk about as long for cocktails and gourmet hors d’oeuvres after the as we have theater.” performance by purchasing a VIP ticket or sponsorship package. For details contact, [email protected].
Call 202.547.1122 or visit ShakespeareTheatre.org EXECUTIVE SPONSORS MEDIA PARTNER Groups of 10+, call 202.547.1122, option 6
Photos of Rep. Jesse Jackson, Jr. (D-IL) and Rep. Jim McDermott (D-WA); Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL); 20 Photo of Holly Twyford by Scott Suchman. Rep. Mike McIntyre (D-NC); and Gina Adams (Fed Ex) by Kevin Allen. presents
Broadcast in HD Connor Studios From the stage to the big screen. The Harman Presented at Sidney Harman Hall Center for the Arts NT Live enters its second season of $ broadcasting performances from 20 The Shakespeare Theatre Company is London’s National Theatre in HD! proud to present performances by many of Tickets! Washington’s most acclaimed companies as well as visiting national and international artists through the Harman Center for the FINAL SCREENINGS! Arts. Located in the heart of the arts district in Washington, D.C., the Harman Center for the Frankenstein Arts opens doors for many multi-disciplinary Monday, March 21, 2011 at 7:30 p.m. (Version I) art forms to be enjoyed. Saturday, April 23, 2011 at 8 p.m. (Version II) Danny Boyle’s production of Frankenstein, a Furthering this mission, Happenings at the play by Nick Dear, based on the novel by Mary Harman offers another exciting season of Shelley. The two main actors alternate roles free performances celebrating the best of at the National Theatre, a concept that has dance, film, poetry and theatre. Memorable captured the imagination of the public and can now be experienced through performers will return and the introduction two screenings. Version I features Jonny Lee Miller as Victor and Benedict of new directions in jazz and dance are Cumberbatch as the Creature, while Version II features Cumberbatch as just some of the highlights planned for Victor and Miller as the Creature. the upcoming season. Many of this year’s Happenings also celebrate the work of STC’s The Cherry Orchard 2010–2011 mainstage productions along with Monday, July 11, 2011 several city-wide festivals. 7:30 p.m. A play by Anton Chekhov, directed by NT Associate Director Howard Davies, These free afternoon performances are whose recent productions of Russian plays have earned huge critical acclaim. held in The Forum in Sidney Harman Hall on Wednesdays from noon to 1 p.m. *dates subject to change A schedule of events can be found in the Asides calendar (pages 16–19) or online at Get your tickets today! ShakespeareTheatre.org. Call 202.547.1122 or visit ShakespeareTheatre.org/NTLive.
Photos (from top to bottom): Harlie Sponaugle; Charles Mokotoff; Furia Flamenca; Above photo of Paul Bhattacharjee, David Annen, Shane Shambhu, Divya Kasturi, Chetna Pandya, Saskia Reeves in 22 Next Reflex Dance Collective; A Disappearing Number by Stephanie Berger. CARMEN May 18–22 Sidney Harman Hall
Septime Webre closes the 2010–2011 season with his smoldering Carmen. This passion-filled portrayal of the feisty title character, set to Georges Bizet’s spirited score, is complemented by Pablo Picasso-inspired sets. This program also features riveting world premieres by TWB Associate Artistic Director David Palmer and Edwaard Liang, whose Wunderland captivated D.C. audiences.
For tickets, call 202.547.1122, go online to ShakespeareTheatre.org, or visit the Shakespeare Theatre Company Box Office
Photo of Sona Kharatian by Steve Vaccariello. AUDIENCE SERVICES
Contact the Box Offices at the Lansburgh Theatre and Sidney Harman Hall Missed your ticket? Tickets: 202.547.1122 Toll-free: 877.487.8849 Group sales: 202.547.1122, option 6 Join the Bard Association to get TTY (hearing impaired): 202.638.3863 Box Office fax: 202.608.6350 Tom Arban advance notice of the 2012 Mock Trial Bookings: 202.547.3230 ext. 2206 Sidney Harman Hall 610 F Street NW Box Office Hours When there is an evening performance: Monday: 10 a.m.–6 p.m. Tuesday–Saturday: 10 a.m.–6:30 p.m. Members of the Bard Sunday: noon–6:30 p.m. Association experience When there is no evening performance: Monday–Saturday: 10 a.m.–6 p.m. classical theatre at its Sunday: noon–6 p.m. finest while meeting
Lansburgh Theatre and interacting with Traveling to the Theatres 450 7th Street NW The Lansburgh Theatre is located near the other members of the Archives–Navy Mem’l–Penn Quarter and Gallery Pl–Chinatown Metro stations. legal profession and Sidney Harman Hall is near Gallery Pl–Chinatown and Judiciary Square. For Washington VIPs. driving directions and parking information, visit ShakespeareTheatre.org/Visit.
Concessions and Gift Shops Join today and enjoy SOLD OUT Food and beverages are available one hour before each performance. Pre-order benefits such as advance before curtain for immediate pick-up at intermission. Lansburgh Theatre and ticket purchase for the Sidney Harman Hall gift shops are open before curtain, at intermission and for a MOCK TRIAL short time after each performance. 2012 Mock Trial and The Robert Chiltern Affair: Shakespeare and the An Ideal Husband’s Dilemma Accessibility THEATRE AREA MAP Law events. The Shakespeare Theatre Company is Monday, April 11, 2011 CHINATOWN committed to providing full access for
persons with disabilities. G STREET NW
VERIZON Our theatres are accessible to SMITHSONIAN AMERICAN ART MUSEUM CENTER patrons with physical disabilities AND NATIONAL PORTRAIT GALLERY Gallery Pl- Email [email protected] or mobility impairments. Please Chinatown REET NW 7TH ST REET NW 9TH ST Station REET NW 6TH ST request accessible seating when F STREET NW or call 202.547.3230 ext. 2325 for more information. purchasing tickets. LAZ Garage E Entrance SIDNEY Audio-enhancement devices are HARMAN HALL available for all performances. LAZ Garage Entrance REET NW 8TH ST Receivers with earphones (or neck E STREET NW loops with “T” switch for use with E LANSBURGH hearing aids) are available at the THEATRE coat check on a first-come basis. E PMI Garage Colonial Parking Entrance Garage Entrance Please see event calendar for D STREET NW dates of sign-interpreted and audio-described performances. Archives- VENUE NW Navy Mem’l- Penn Quarter INDIANA A PENNSY Station Program notes in large print LV ANIA AV and Braille are available at the ENUE NW coat check.
NATIONAL MALL E Elevator to/from Garage
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26 Above photo by Scott Suchman and 2010 Mock Trial by Kevin Allen. 27 ASIDES IS ONLINE! ASIDES FOR MORE ARTICLES, A publication of the Shakespeare Theatre Company IMAGES AND DETAILS VISIT
Next issue... Asides.ShakespeareTheatre.org Harold Pinter’s Old Times directed by Michael Kahn May 17–July 3 Administrative Offices 516 8th Street SE Lansburgh Theatre Washington, DC 20003-2834