Actors' Shakespeare Project Presents ANTONY AND CLEOPATRA, , 4/30-5/21

Actors' Shakespeare Project concludes its 2010-2011 season with Antony and Cleopatra, directed by Adrianne Krstansky - previewing April 27th, 28th & 29th, opening on April 30th, with a gala performance on May 1st, and running through May 21st at The Modern Theatre at Suffolk University, 525 Washington Street in Downtown Crossing.

One of the greatest, most legendary stories ever told, Antony and Cleopatra explores the meaning of greatness and life in the public eye. "The play takes place in a political world," says director Adrianne Krstansky, "so people are constantly in game mode... how do you live, make decisions, play 'yourself' when you know that everything you do and say is being recorded for posterity?" Shakespeare reveals a very human side of this greatness as the epic figures of Antony and Cleopatra expose the shortcomings and make tragic errors that lead to their downfall. They are at one moment masters of fortune, and at the next utterly broken. Antony, bold and poetic, is brought down through infidelity, strategic blundering, and indulgent tendencies, and Cleopatra, admirable and strong, is also selfish and dishonest, torn apart by the conflict of her public role and private desires. This timeless story examines power and celebrity and resonates for us now as it did in Shakespeare's time.

As is tradition with Actors' Shakespeare Project, post?show discussions will be held following the conclusion of Sunday performances. Guest artists from Antony and Cleopatra will also be working with ASP's free "Shakespeare on the Out" afterschool program for girls on scenes from the show.

Members of ASP will be involved in various additional outreach projects around Greater Boston,
including projects with students in Department of Youth Service facilities, at the Boston Arts Academy and at Charlestown High School. Resident Company Member Paula Plum will play Cleopatra, with James Andreassi in his ASP debut as Antony. Joining Plum and Andreassi are ASP Resident Company Members Richard Snee, Doug Lockwood, and Mara Sidmore, in addition to guests Siobhan Juanita Brown, Jesse Hinson, Johnnie McQuarley, and Giselle Ty.

For the first time ever, ASP will be performing in Suffolk University's historic and newly renovated
Modern Theatre. "The beauty of doing Antony and Cleopatra is that it rose up out of the company
like a Sphinx, a massive piece waiting to be addressed," says ASP Artistic Director Allyn Burrows. "A
fierce examination of personal longing and the trappings of power, this story deserved an airing at
this time on the company's journey. To have the opportunity to inhabit the Modern Theatre for this
production, a classic theatrical symbol of faded glory and subsequent renaissance, is a delight." For
more information, see www.actorsshakespeareproject.org