"Privilege & Power," Actors' Theatre of Columbus' 2017 season, is an exploration of the social dynamics we all live in. The season spans tragedy, farce, and romance through some of the best-loved pieces of literature as well as rarely revived gems.
ATC's 2017 performance season will include
William Shakespeare's Julius Caesar (May 25 - June 18) and The Tempest (August 10 - September 3), as well as
Jon Jory's adaptation of
Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice (June 22 - July 16), and
Aphra Behn's The Emperor of the Moon (July 20 - August 6).
JULIUS CAESAR (Directed by
Philip J. Hickman) -
William Shakespeare's classic drama about politics and power. Presented in a modern setting, the production gives the audience new insight into the pressurized culture of honor, fame, war, and betrayal.
"Julius Caesar is as relevant now as it was in Shakespeare's day," shared ATC Artistic Director
Philip J. Hickman. "This powerful drama drives deeply into the intersection of power, governance, honor, and loyalty."
PRIDE AND PREJUDICE (Adapted by
Jon Jory, Directed by
Mark Mann) -
Jane Austen's enduring novel of romance, class, and society comes to the stage in the popular
Jon Jory (Actors' Theatre of Louisville) adaptation. The play is a delightful take on the novel, complete with all of the wit, love, and charm of the original.
"Pride and Prejudice, a new adaptation of
Jane Austen's novel, tells one of the most beloved romantic stories in English literature. Austen's brilliance is displayed in this story of class and culture, and how love bridges the social structures that might divide us."
THE EMPEROR OF THE MOON (Directed by
Michelle Batt) -
Aphra Behn's 1660 comedy is a zany blend of commedia dell'arte, music, and science fiction. Servants and lovers run wild in this play which was hugely successful in the English Restoration period. Behn's work has been described as "an affordable mini-spectacle," and she is one of the great women playwrights in all classic theater.
"The Emperor of the Moon,
Aphra Behn's 1687 farce, is a wonderful Restoration comedy. In addition to celebrating one of the most successful women playwrights of the classic era, it is a delightful mix of music, wit, and physical comedy."
THE TEMPEST (Directed by
David Harewood) - The season concludes with
William Shakespeare's magical dramatic comedy about an outcast noble who has made himself ruler of a small island. He uses his powers to enforce his will on his enemies and allies alike. This production will take a fresh look at this romantic, comedic, dramatic play about the purpose of power.
"The Tempest is a complex dramatic comedy, a magical story of power, control, family, and reconciliation."
Outdoor summer shows are free and open to the public, though donations are encouraged and vital to the continued success of Actors' Theatre. Memberships with Actors' Theatre are also available by visitingwww.theactorstheatre.org/membership/.
Support for Actors' Theatre is made possible by the Greater Columbus
Arts Council, the Ohio
Arts Council, The Columbus Foundation, WCBE 90.5 FM, the Columbus Recreation and Parks Department, and the German Village Society.
