Actors' Shakespeare Project Presents TWELFTH NIGHT, Previews 9/27

Actors' Shakespeare Project (ASP) launches into its 8th season - Laughter, Loss & Longing - with one of Shakespeare's most beloved comedies, Twelfth Night, directed by Melia Bensussen who also directed ASP's The Merchant of Venice and The Taming of the Shrew. The play previews on September 27th, 28th & 29th, and opens on Friday, September 30th at 8:00pm at the Plaza Theatre at the Boston Center for the Arts, 539 Tremont Street, Boston. "Everyone at Actors' Shakespeare Project is delighted to be working at the BCA this fall," Artistic Director Allyn Burrows said. " The venue is perfectly suited to Melia Bensussen's approach to this production, and we couldn't be happier to be back in the South End."

Written between 1599 and 1600, Twelfth Night is Shakespeare's 22nd play, and is thought to be his wildest, funniest, and purest romantic comedy. Twins Viola and Sebastian of Messaline survive a shipwreck and wash up separately on the coast of Illyria, each believing the other has drowned. With the help of the sea captain, Viola disguises herself as a young man, calling herself Cesario, and seeks to serve Duke Orsino of Illyria who will provide her with safety while she figures out what to do. Orsino quickly bestows favor upon this canny and wise "boy," and entrusts him as the go-between in his love suit to Olivia, daughter of a neighboring count who renounces the company of men as she mourns the recent deaths of her father and brother. But, when Olivia receives "Cesario" for the first time, sparks fly in a different direction.

In this production, Obie Award Winning director Melia Bensussen hopes to explore the keenly relevant story of Twelfth Night while honoring the original text. In her adaptation, Bensussen blurs the line of distinction between Viola and her twin brother, Sebastian, creating a highly reflective take on a well-known audience favorite. We ask audiences to join these characters on a crash course towards discovery of the self through the other. "The human longing woven through this play aligns sublimely with our present day search for life's answers in these turbulent times," Burrows said. "We can laugh at the foibles and missteps of these wonderful characters while being reminded that Shakespeare sets up reflections everywhere."

As is tradition with Actors' Shakespeare Project, post-show discussions will be held following the conclusion of Sunday performances, including a special talkback with DeWitt Henry, a member of PEN New England, with whom ASP is collaborating this season. ASP's Summer Teacher Institute focused on Twelfth Night this year, and ASP teaching artists will be working with ten local high schools bringing Twelfth Night visits, curriculum, matinee tickets, and workshops throughout the fall. Other outreach projects will be ongoing in partnership with the Department of Youth Services through ASP's Incarcerated Youth at Play programs, a Twelfth Night project at Boston Arts Academy, and residencies at Boston Day & Evening Academy and Charlestown High School as part of the BPS Arts Expansion Program.

Twelfth Night features ASP resident Acting Company members Steven Barkhimer*, Marianna Bassham*, Jason Bowen*, Allyn Burrows*, Paula Langton*, Doug Lockwood* and Mara Sidmore*.

Joining ASP's resident Acting Company are James Andreassi* and Jesse Hinson, both previously seen in last season's Antony and Cleopatra, and ASP newcomers Gabriel Graetz and Omar Robinson.

For more information, see www.actorsshakespeareproject.org

Twelfth Night by William Shakespeare

WHERE:

Plaza Theatre at the Boston Center for the Arts, 541 Tremont Street, Boston MA

PRICES:

Tickets for previews: $28 - $40

Tickets for all other performances: $33 - $50

Tickets On Sale: www.actorsshakespeareproject.org or 866-811-4111

WHEN:

Previews: September 27th, 28th & 29th at 7:30pm

Press opening: September 30th at 8:00pm
Performance Schedule:

Thursdays and Fridays at 7:30pm

Saturdays at 3:00pm and 8:00pm

Sundays at 2:00pm

Select weekday matinees at 10:00am (10/5, 10/6, 10/13, 10/19 & 10/20)
Special Events:

Open Rehearsal:

Saturday, September 17, 2011 at 11:00am
Plaza Theatre at the Boston Center for the Arts, 539 Tremont Street, Boston.
Event is free but reservations are encouraged. RSVP to events@actorsshakespeareproject.org

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