Asolo Repertory Theatre Presents Touring Production of THE TRAGEDY OF HAMLET

Asolo Repertory Theatre proudly presents an FSU/Asolo Conservatory for Actor Training touring production of THE TRAGEDY OF HAMLET. This brand new production, which will be presented during the 400th anniversary year of Shakespeare's death, is adapted and directed by Justin Lucero, director of the FSU/Asolo Conservatory's hit 2015 production of The Liar. This seventh annual educational touring production, THE TRAGEDY OF HAMLET, will tour schools and community venues throughout Sarasota and the state of Florida, from Tallahassee to Miami, from September 27 through November 22, 2016. There will be a special performance for educators, press, and the public on Friday, September 30 at 6pm in the Cook Theatre, located in the FSU Center for the Performing Arts.

"To be or not to be," is just one of the haunting, evocative questions posed by Hamlet in one of Shakespeare's most enduring tragedies. When Hamlet's father's ghost reveals that Claudius, Hamlet's uncle, was behind his sudden death and demands vengeance for his murder, Hamlet is thrust into an introspective battle where the casualties are many and there may just be no victor.

"A point of inspiration comes from how Shakespeare ends the play: Hamlet's final words to his best friend, Horatio, are 'tell my story.' What a dying wish! We are approaching this production as if Horatio literally did honor Hamlet by going throughout the world to tell Hamlet's story," said Director Justin Lucero. "Horatio started a touring theatre troupe that dedicated itself to presenting THE TRAGEDY OF HAMLET. And as the generations went on, the touring theatre troupe went on. As a part of the story-telling, our young audiences will witness all the aspects of theatre-making that are traditionally left hidden to an audience. In full view and never 'exiting,' our players will set up the scenes and props, put on and change costume pieces, and even create lighting cues, sound effects, and perform live music."

Last season's touring production of Twelfth Night was performed for more than 14,000 students and community members throughout the state, and the demand for this season's production among schools has been tremendous. Performances include post-show discussions with the cast, where audience members can engage with the actors and learn more about the artistic process. Asolo Rep's award-winning Education and Outreach Department also provides supplemental classroom materials, including behind-the-scenes videos, study guides and suggested activities.

THE TRAGEDY OF HAMLET will feature the entire FSU/Asolo Conservatory for Actor Training third year class. The FSU/Asolo Conservatory is a comprehensive three-year Master of Fine Arts graduate degree program that has been named one of the top 10 actor training programs in the country by U.S. News and World Report. Conservatory students join Asolo Rep's professional company of actors during their third year of training and perform in Asolo Rep's mainstage season.

"Students all around Florida encounter Shakespeare's writing on the page, but to experience a masterpiece like THE TRAGEDY OF HAMLET in performance adds clarity, excitement, and most of all a very real and relatable humanity," said Michael Donald Edwards, Producing Artistic Director of Asolo Rep. "That humanity is what touches us all, and can help students understand, in a powerful and visceral way, why we still draw from the classics today. I'm proud that in crafting an original performance specifically suited for travel, we are able to provide this experience for so many young people in Florida."

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