Irondale Ensemble to Present THE 1599 PROJECT, 4/30-5/28

Irondale Ensemble, one of the country's longest-standing research theater companies, will premiere its 2015-2016 headlining work, The 1599 Project, April 30-May 28, 2016. Bridging four Shakespeare plays in one four-hour mega-text, 1599 refers to the seminal year in Shakespeare's life where he claimed the prominent role of playwright, having written Henry V, Julius Caesar, As You Like It, and the first draft of Hamlet.

When seen together, these four Shakespeare plays form a theatrical tetralogy roiling with themes of isolation, power, usurpation, marriage, and death-all told from the point of view of a constantly evolving hero, played by four actors. The narrative, with texts adapted by director Jim Niesen, focuses on each of the four play's protagonists (Henry V, Brutus, Rosalind and Hamlet). During this mythic journey, the hero triumphs as Henry V, is swept up into cynicism as Brutus, finds respite as Rosalind, and spirals downward into a chaotic demise as Hamlet.

"This project is one of the most ambitious works we've developed over the past 34 years. We first worked on some of these plays more than 20 years ago. The unique ability to work with a permanent ensemble over the past four years to develop, workshop, revise, and evolve this work has created wonderfully experiential, aesthetic conversation," comments Irondale's Artistic Director, Jim Niesen. "During its development we launched three pilot projects and five public studies exploring very particular thematic aspects of these works. The contributions and criticisms over the process has been an integral part in nearing the premiere of 1599. We can't wait for this ship to set sail."

Inspiration for this project comes from James Shapiro's book, A Year in the Life of William Shakespeare 1599. Shapiro's study was a provocative analysis of how the historical events, living conditions, and literary advances in England in that year sparked the incredible outpouring of creativity, which produced these four plays.

A company of seven including members of Irondale's permanent acting ensemble will play more than 70 roles.

PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE

The 1599 Project will run from April 30-May 28, 2016. Monday, Wednesday and Friday performance start at 7:30 p.m., and Saturday performances at 5:00 p.m. General Admission tickets are $40, with a limited amount of seats at $15. Tickets can be purchased at https://web.ovationtix.com/trs/pr/952063. Group sales are available for groups of 10 or more.

Total runtime of The 1599 Project is four hours, with a 20-minute dinner break. Audience members may pre-purchase boxed dinners online.

Preview performances will take place on April 27 and 29, and tickets will cost $10.