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.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.
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