Actors' Shakespeare Project to Bring THE TEMPEST to Brookline This Winter

Actors' Shakespeare Project will bring magic and theatricality to the Bard's The Tempest, returning to Brookline's Willet Hall at United Parish, 210 Harvard Street, the venue for last season's The Winter's Tale, from December 1, 2016 through January 8, 2017 (Press performance Saturday December 3 at 8 PM).

Artistic Director Allyn Burrows will direct Resident Acting Company members Marya Lowry* (Prospero), Jesse Hinson* (Caliban), Lydia Barnett-Mulligan* (Miranda), Mara Sidmore* (Alonso and Trinculo), and Michael Forden Walker* (Stephano and Sebastian).

Prospero, the Duchess of Milan, has been usurped by her own brother, and with her daughter Miranda, exiled and stranded on a remote and mystical island. Hoping to restore Miranda to her rightful place, and seeking revenge, Prospero conjures a storm to shipwreck her brother and his conspirators. As Miranda falls in love with the son of one of the conspirators, the story becomes complicated.

According to Burrows, "The Tempest is considered the last play which Shakespeare wrote alone and probably represents his farewell to the stage. This finality may explain why it is thought so reflective an exploration, and subject to a myriad of interpretations. ASP's production will explore some fascinating themes highlighted in this stunning piece: familial friction, magic, and whether we are indeed prisoners of our own thoughts!"

On performing Prospero, Lowry says, "There are so many exciting threads to follow. She is full of vengeful anger towards those who wronged her, and set her on this journey marked by profound emotional and physical losses. She endures so much before leaving her island prison, from marrying off her beloved daughter and releasing her to her own future, to freeing Ariel, her servant and only 'friend' for the past 12 years. Even in abandoning her revenge and choosing to forgive, she experiences a huge surrender of self."

The cast includes Resident Acting Company Members Marya Lowry* (Prospero), Jesse Hinson* (Caliban), Lydia Barnett-Mulligan* (Miranda), Mara Sidmore (Alonso and Trinculo) and Michael Forden Walker* (Stephano and Sebastian). Other cast include Thomas Grenon (Antonio), Samantha Richert* (Ariel), Kai Tshikosi (Ferdinand), and additional roles played by members of the ensemble.

The creative team includes Tyler Kinney** (set), Amber Voner (costumes), Chris Bocchiaro (lights), Arshan Gailus** (sound), Heather Fields (Stage Manager) and Samantha Layco (Assistant Stage Manager).

Open Rehearsal: Saturday, November 19, 2016 from 11 a.m. - 12 p.m. at the Center for Arts at the Armory, 191 Highland Avenue, Somerville, MA 02143. Preview Performances will be held Thursday December 1 and Friday December 2 at 7:30 PM. Official opening and Press performance: Saturday December 3 at 8pm.

Regular Performance schedule: Thursdays and Fridays at 7:30 PM, Saturdays at 3 PM (except December 3) and 8 PM and Sundays at 2 PM. Holiday Schedule: December 23 at 2 PM, No performance December 24 and December 25. December 27 and 28 at 7:30 PM. December 31 at 2 PM & 7 PM No Performance January 1, 2017. (www.actorsshakespeareproject.org/plays-events/the-tempest) Post-Show Conversations: Sundays, December 4, 11, 18, 2016; January 8, 2017.

Tickets are $30-$50 ($15 student rush) and can be purchased at actorsshakespeareproject.org or OvationTix at 866.811.4111 or at United Parish an hour before curtain, although selection may be limited. Senior discount tickets are $3-5 off of regular price. Groups of 10+ may reserve seats for select performances via ASP's Audience Services at groups@actorsshakespeareproject.org or at 617.776.2200 x225 .

Actors' Shakespeare Project is an award-winning professional theater company with a Resident Acting Company and extensive education, youth and community programs. ASP performs and works in found spaces, schools, theaters and neighborhoods to present and explore the robust language, resonant stories, and deeply human characters in Shakespeare's plays and in works by other great playwrights. Our work is ensemble-based and focused on intimacy, storytelling, language, relationships, voice, risk and artistry within and throughout the Boston area. For more information visit actorsshakespeareproject.org.

*Member of the Actors' Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States
** Member of United Scenic Artists, Local 829