Ed Battle News

In Shakespeare's time, all female roles were played by men (often boy apprentices), who learned to create an idealized version of femininity onstage. This practice continued throughout the Jacobean era until the theatres were closed by Oliver Cromwell in 1642. When Charles II returned from his exile on the continent in 1661, the theatres reopened and actors initially resumed the tradition of men-as-women. But the new monarch had an appreciation for women onstage and the old practice was quickly abolished.

Northern Broadsides has announced that the final actor to play the cameo role of Marcade the messenger in their critically acclaimed production of Love's Labour's Lost will be Lenny Henry. Lenny will be joining the 16 strong cast at the final two performances of the production's national tour at York Theatre Royal on Saturday 5 May at 2.30pm & 7.30pm.

Artistic Director Mark Clements yesterday announced Milwaukee Repertory Theater's 2012/13 Season. The choice of plays includes a Tony Award-winning musical, two classics from American literature, two landmark plays written nearly 50 years apart, a musical parody of Broadway, two scintillating musical revues that celebrate the blues and the legendary music of Johnny Cash, an interactive stage show by mentalist Marc Salem and a soul-stirring hit from London and Broadway.

Artistic Mark Clements announced Milwaukee Repertory Theater's 2012/13 Season today. The ambitious choice of plays includes a Tony Award-winning musical, two classics from American literature, two landmark plays written nearly 50 years apart, a musical parody of Broadway, two scintillating musical revues that celebrate the blues and the legendary music of Johnny Cash, an interactive stage show by mentalist Marc Salem and a soul-stirring hit from London and Broadway.

Turning on the TV or reading the news can be depressing these days. Sometimes a person wants to leave behind the serious issues of the day and see something that is just nice - and nice is the perfect description of Olney Theater Center's season opener, You're A Good Man, Charlie Brown.

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, recognized by U.S. Congress as a vital American "Cultural Ambassador to the World," visits Jacksonville's Times-Union Center - Moran Theater on Tuesday, February 28th for one performance only! The show's 2012 North American Tour launches the next era in Ailey history, led by dynamic Artistic Director Robert Battle in his inaugural season.

Performance Network Theatre is presenting the Tony Award-winning comedy, "God of Carnage." Written by Yasmina Reza and translated for the American stage by Christopher Hampton, "God of Carnage" will extend its run through February 26, at which time it must close to make way for the dark comedy, "Dead Man's Shoes."

Seattle Shakespeare Company's new Artistic Director George Mount announced the company's programming plans for 2012-2013 that includes an indoor revival of a popular Wooden O production and the return of some favorite artists both on and offstage.

Performance Network Theatre is presenting the Tony Award-winning comedy, "God of Carnage." Written by Yasmina Reza and translated for the American stage by Christopher Hampton, "God of Carnage" will extend its run through February 26, at which time it must close to make way for the dark comedy, "Dead Man's Shoes."

There is anger at the way men perceive women - and abuse, rape, belittle and objectify them. Owen's woman-hating fantasy may not reflect reality, but that doesn't make it harmless. That point can make the show hard to watch at moments, as it wends its way through scenes of imagined rape and murder. But it wouldn't do to look away. There's painful humor at every painful turn.

This is the first show in the inaugural season of TITAN, though the artistic management has three years of acclaimed production history in New York, previously producing under the name Promethean Theatre Company. As Promethean, the players were known for clear storytelling and young and exciting takes on classical works. As TITAN, the artists will continue this reputation, striding forward in its mission of creating raw, visceral, engaging, intelligent work; making the classics fresh and sexy.

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, recognized by U.S. Congress as a vital American "Cultural Ambassador to the World," visits Jacksonville's Times-Union Center - Moran Theater on Tuesday, February 28th for one performance only! The show's 2012 North American Tour launches the next era in Ailey history, led by dynamic Artistic Director Robert Battle in his inaugural season.

This is the first show in the inaugural season of TITAN, though the artistic management has three years of acclaimed production history in New York, previously producing under the name Promethean Theatre Company. As Promethean, the players were known for clear storytelling and young and exciting takes on classical works. As TITAN, the artists will continue this reputation, striding forward in its mission of creating raw, visceral, engaging, intelligent work; making the classics fresh and sexy.

Known for bringing the best works from across the globe to an intimate setting in Ann Arbor, Performance Network Theatre is doing it again with the Michigan premiere of the 2009 Tony-winner for Best Play, "God of Carnage" by Yasmina Reza.

After the critical acclaim for their last production We are Three Sisters, Northern Broadsides are set to celebrate the beginning of their 20th anniversary year with a delicious comedy that will entertain and delight. Co-produced with the award winning New Vic Theatre, Newcastle-under-Lyme, William Shakespeare's romantic and mischievous tale of Love's Labour's Lost is set to thrill audiences as it fizzes like bubbles in a champagne glass.

Known for bringing the best works from across the globe to an intimate setting in Ann Arbor, Performance Network Theatre is doing it again with the Michigan premiere of the 2009 Tony-winner for Best Play, "God of Carnage" by Yasmina Reza.

Burning Coal Theatre Company continues its 15th season with Shakespeare's Henry V (on Trapeze) presented in collaboration with the NYC-based Fight or Flight. The production will run December 1 - 18, 2011 at the Murphey School, 224 Polk Street, Raleigh, NC.

Journey to working class London with Mercer County Community College Theatre students for the coming-of-age drama 'Beautiful Thing.'

Burning Coal Theatre Company continues its 15th season with Shakespeare's Henry V (on Trapeze) presented in collaboration with the NYC-based Fight or Flight. The production will run December 1 - 18, 2011 at the Murphey School, 224 Polk Street, Raleigh, NC.