Orlando Shakespeare Theater Presents Their ANNUAL MOCK TRIAL 3/1

Orlando Shakespeare Theater's Bard's Board Barristers present its annual mock trial on Tuesday, March 1, 2011 at the John and Rita Lowndes Shakespeare Center (812 East Rollins Street). This lively event will focus on legal issues arising from Jane Austen's beloved novel (and Orlando Shakespeare Theater's performance of) Pride and Prejudice.

It seems that everyone did not in fact live happily ever after at the conclusion of Austen's work. Old wounds have not healed, and Mr. Darcy has brought a lawsuit for defamation against Mr. Wickham. Darcy claims that Wickham spread numerous falsehoods about him, to his harm. Wickham, in response, has claimed that it is Darcy who is the wrongdoer, depriving Wickham of his rightful inheritance.

Actors from Orlando Shakespeare Theater's upcoming production of Pride and Prejudice (running February 9 - March 20) will be participating in this event. As usual, there will be a number of twists, turns and surprises throughout the trial. "In this case, much will rest on the testimony of witnesses", says Shannon Lacek, Orlando Shakespeare Theater's Managing Director. Although not wishing to divulge the legal strategy of the parties, it is anticipated that the principals - Darcy and Wickham - will testify, perhaps along with others.

In one twist from previous productions, the audience itself will be impaneled as an advisory jury to render a verdict. A panel of five special guest judges will then consider that verdict. Kimberly Ashby, a shareholder at Akerman Senterfitt, and John Hamilton, a shareholder at Foley & Lardner, will be the advocates for the parties.

Join us at 5:30 p.m. for hors d'oeuvres and drinks before the event, and mingle with leading members of Central Florida's legal, business and artistic communities. The public is welcome. There is a suggested $20 donation ($10 for students). You may reserve seats in advance by calling (407) 447-1700. Limited seating available.

Since 2009, the Bard's Board Barristers has hostEd Mock trials using classic plays as templates to explore contemporary legal thought. Past mock trials addressed whether Hamlet was indeed insane when he murdered Polonius and considered whether Shylock's famous bargain, in The Merchant of Venice, for a pound of flesh could be defended.

The 2010-2011 Signature Series is made possible by series sponsor Darden Restaurants. The 2011 Mock Trial is sponsored by Akerman Senterfitt, with additional funding provided by First American Title Company. The classic Rep is funded in part by Orange County government through the Arts & Cultural Affairs Program with additional funding by Carlton Fields, P .A., Florida Hospital and U.S. Trust/Bank of America. Orlando Shakespeare Theater in Partnership with UCF is supported by United Arts of Central Florida with funds from the United Arts campaign and the Department of State of the State of Florida and the Florida Arts Council.

What: Darcy v. Wickham: The Bard's Board Barristers Annual Mock Trial

When: Tuesday, March 1, 2011
5:30 p.m. - Hors d'oeuvres and mingling
6:30 p.m. - The Trial
7:30 p.m. - Case closed!

Where: Orlando Shakespeare Theater
Margeson Theater at the Lowndes Shakespeare Center
812 East Rollins Street, Orlando, FL 32803

Price: Suggest $20 donation ($10 for students)

The High Court of Hertfordshire
Mayanne Downs, King Blackwell Downs & Zender, P.A.
Leon Handley, Rumberger, Kirk & Caldwell, P.A.
Margot Knight, United Arts of Central Florida
Scott Maxwell, Orlando Sentinel
Taylor Simpson-Wood, Professor, Barry University Law School

The Advocates
Kimberly Ashby, shareholder at Akerman, Senterfitt
John Hamilton, shareholder at Foley & Lardner

Tickets are available by calling (407) 447-1700 or online at www.orlandoshakes.org and in person at the box office located inside the Lowndes Shakespeare Center, 812 East Rollins Street in Orlando's Loch Haven Cultural Park. For walk up sales, Box Office hours are 12:00 p.m. to show time, Tuesday - Saturday, and one hour prior to show time on Sundays. On non-performance days, the Box Office closes at 5:00 p.m. The Box Office is closed on Mondays.
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WEBSITE: Please visit www.orlandoshakes.org for recent press releases, more information about the cast, and upcoming special events. Please contact Melissa Mason, Director of Marketing at 407-447-1700 ext 215 or melissam@orlandoshakes.org for further details or to arrange for individual interviews.

About Orlando Shakespeare Theater
Now celebrating its 22nd season and with Shakespeare as its standard and inspiration, Orlando Shakespeare Theater in Partnership with UCF has grown into one of the region's most acclaimed Equity theatres producing bold professional theater in Central Florida. Under the leadership of Managing Director Shannon Lacek and Artistic Director Jim Helsinger, Orlando Shakespeare Theater continues to achieve the highest standards, while preserving its artistic and cultural legacy. Through PlayFest! The Harriett Lake Festival of New Plays, Orlando Shakespeare Theater is nationally recognized for its contribution to the development of new plays. Orlando Shakes also provides innovative educational experiences through its youth education programming, serving over 25,000 young people, families, and schools annually.