Naked Shakespeare Presents OATH BREAKERS

Whether it be in love or war, Shakespeare's characters will promise the moon, and in their next breath take it back again. Audience members are invited to decide for themselves whether karmic justice is served when notable liars in the canon go back on their sworn words. Drawn from several plays, this Naked Shakespeare production brings together a collection of characters notoriously bending and twisting their oaths in order to suit their own personal needs. Director Michael Levine intertwines text selections from three tragedies and one comedy in this fast-moving evening of entertainment in which characters are literally shackled by their words by hooded figures moving about a shadowy dungeon-like world. Eight actors play multiple characters in an evening that visually demonstrates the rewards offered by those who are untrue. "Oath Breakers" performs twice on Friday and Saturday on the first weekend in December in the Ballroom at Mechanics Hall. Both performances begin at 7pm. The First Friday performance is free, and Saturday's show is $10 for all ages. Visit Acorn's website at www.acorn-productions.org for more information or to order tickets.

Naked Shakespeare's monthly First Friday performances feature original language from Shakespeare's plays rearranged around a theme. Every month finds the ballroom arranged in a different configuration to take advantage of the unique architecture in the historic room. In keeping with the company's mission, Naked Shakespeare company members present the text with minimal sets, lights and costumes in order to highlight the imagery in the bard's poetry. "Oath Breakers" features story lines from Richard III, Antony and Cleopatra, and Troilus and Cressida, bookended with two scenes from Love's Labor's Lost, all hosted by a slightly demonic master of ceremonies who delights in provoking duplicitous behavior.

Richard, Duke of Gloucester - The future King Richard III promises to protect his brother Clarence and reward his co-conspirator the Duke of Buckingham, all the while scheming to murder Clarence and cheat Buckingham out of his promised titles.

Antony - Cleopatra's lover cements his bond to Octavius after a civil war initiated by Antony's wife by marrying his sister, but Antony is unable to keep his vow for long when his lust for the Queen of Egypt resurfaces.

Cressida - The daughter of a Trojan priestess pledges her ever-lasted loyalty and faithfulness to Prince Troilus, only to betray him with a Greek warrior after a prisoner exchange finds her alone in the enemy's camp and in need of a patron.

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