ASP Announces 2019-2020 Season

Actors' Shakespeare Project (ASP) announces its 2019-2020 season today, continuing to build on its legacy of producing intimate and relevant Shakespeare productions as well as new plays that examine contemporary issues of social justice.

The 2019-20 lineup includes: Shakespeare's masterpiece, KING LEAR, directed by Resident Acting Company member Doug Lockwood; THE COMPLETE WORKS OF William Shakespeare (ABRIDGED), directed by ASP's Artistic Director, Christopher V. Edwards; regional premiere BRIGHT HALF LIFE, directed by the award-winning Megan Sandberg- Zakian; THE MERCHANT OF VENICE, directed by Igor Golyak, Artistic Director of Arlekin Players Theatre, and Shakespeare's HENRY V, directed by Rebecca Bradshaw, Associate Producer at the Huntington Theatre Company.

King Lear reminds us that while the challenges of aging can be destructive, the same challenges create space for immense compassion. This production is dedicated to the memory of Alvin Epstein, who played the title role in ASP's 2005 production. Complete Works... is a Shakespeare parody; a comic journey that allows us to laugh at the characters, the plays, and ourselves. Performed during the December and January holiday season, this family-friendly show creates a point of entry into the works of Shakespeare for all. Bright Half Life is a poignant drama about a mixed-race, same-sex relationship spanning forty years, reflecting on the power of love and loss. The Merchant of Venice focuses on intolerance and morality as it plays out against the backdrop of economic gain and loss. Timely and relevant in our day and age, Merchant reminds us that we all have the same human needs no matter what our race, culture or religion. Lastly, while for centuries women have been powerful leaders in the world, few stories revolve around female leaders. ASP's Henry V will feature a woman in the role of Henry, attempting to balance her own genuine leadership with the morality of going to war.

"I'm excited to offer a season that challenges and provokes conversation on a social level but more importantly, makes us question our personal values. How do we deal with aging? How do we respond to intolerance and find forgiveness? How do we make hard decisions that have immoral consequences? How do we live the life we are born to and how do we allow space to laugh at ourselves?" - Christopher V. Edwards, Artistic Director of Actors' Shakespeare Project

Membership packages (formerly called subscription packages) are currently on sale. Membership packages offer many benefits, including savings on single ticket prices, exclusive benefits, and personalized customer service. Please visit www.actorsshakespeareproject.org or dial 617-776-2200 for membership information.

Note: Programming and scheduling are subject to change and all venues are TBA. For more information about changes and venues please visit: www.actorsshakespeareproject.org