Actors' Shakespeare Project Presents TIMON OF ATHENS in Fort Point Channel, 5/22

Actors' Shakespeare Project (A.S.P.) completes its sixth season with the Boston premiere of the rarely produced TIMON OF ATHENS, directed by A.S.P.'s Resident Acting Company member Bill Barclay. Previews begin on May 19, 20 and 21, opening night is May 22, and the production will run through June 13 at Midway Studios, 1 Channel Center Street, in Fort Point Channel.

 

TIMON OF ATHENS explores the corrupting power of wealth and the devastating effects of financial ruin on the human soul.  When Timon (played here by Artistic Director Allyn Burrows) hears that his friends need money, he generously offers them all the financial help he can provide.  Soon even government officials are lining up for a share of Timon's extravagant gifts and lavish parties.  Timon's cynical friend Apemantus warns Timon not to put his faith in these flatterers, but the trusting Timon rebukes him.  When Timon's creditors call all his debts due, his fair-weather friends refuse to lend him money.  Soon Timon finds himself barred from his home, forced to to fire his loyal servants, and in utter financial ruin.  His fury at the corrupt government of Athens and false friends leads him to a merciless revenge. 

 

This will be a Boston premiere for TIMON OF ATHENS. Written in 1607, the surprisingly funny play satirizes the extravagant spending of the nobility of Shakespeare's day. A.S.P. is the first American theater company to have a partnership with the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust (S.B.T.) in Stratford-Upon-Avon, UK. S.B.T.'s Nick Walton, a world expert on Timon of Athens, will be coming over to moderate and participate in a series of "Timon Talks", including a free lecture event at the Boston Athenaeum on May 25.

In addition to Allyn Burrows in the title role, a strong ensemble cast surrounds Timon as he faces his ruin, led by A.S.P. company members Bobbie Steinbach, John Kuntz, and Steven Barkhimer, as well as guests Daniel Berger?Jones, Joel Colodner, Michelle Dowd and Will Lyman.

Midway Studios is located at 15 Channel Center Street, Boston MA (Fort Point Channel).  Tickets frange from $20 to $47, and are available by calling 866-811-4111 or visiting www.actorsshakespeareproject.org.