Actors Shakespeare Project Opens 2012 with Euripides' MEDEA, 2/11

Actors' Shakespeare Project (ASP) continues its 8th season – Laughter, Loss & Longing – with Euripides' Greek tragedy Medea, directed by David R. Gammons. Previously for ASP, Gammons has directed three award-winning productions: The Duchess of Malfi, Titus Andronicus and The Hotel Nepenthe. Gammons is teaming up again with Jennie Israel, who will play the title role, and is joined by Nigel Gore and resident Acting Company member Sarah Newhouse who lead a strong ensemble cast. The play previews on February 8, 9 & 10 and opens Saturday, February 11 at 8pm at the Multicultural Art Center, 41 Second Street in Cambridge. 

Euripides lived and wrote during The Golden Age of Athens, born as the Greeks defeated the Persians and dying as Athens was surrendering its supremacy at the end of the Peloponnesian War. Euripides thrived during a time of economic prosperity and cultural advancement in Athens, penning a reputed 92 plays, of which 17 – more than any other classical playwright – survive today and establishing himself as a dramatic innovator. 

Post-show discussions will be held following the conclusion of Sunday matinees. As a part of ASP's collaboration with PEN New England, author Josh Rubenstein will moderate on Feb. 12. Director David R. Gammons will moderate March 4. All other discussion will be led by the cast and/or designers.

ASP is engaged in numerous education and outreach programs this winter. We are holding a closing reception for our "Portraits Without Faces" exhibit currently on display at Urbano in Jamaica Plain on Jan. 12. "Portraits Without Faces" features photographer Liz Linder's striking, life-size portraits of ASP youth, community members and teaching artists embodying Shakespeare's words. Among those attending will be ASP's resident Acting Company members and participants from ASP's Department of Youth Services programs, Boston Arts Academy and Charlestown High School residencies, and the senior citizen program at East End House. If you miss the exhibit, the portraits will be on display at the Multicultural Arts Center during the run of Medea.

Also this winter resident Acting Company members Jason Bowen and Michael Walker are co-directing Twelfth Night at the Boston Arts Academy. In the spring, founding company member Bobbie Steinbach will work with seniors at East End House reading plays aloud and discussing their themes. For the remainder of the season ASP will also be working in seven Department of Youth Services facilities performing scenes from Shakespeare plays with youth.