Actors' Theatre of Columbus Sets 'Privilege & Power' 2017 Season

"Privilege & Power," Actors' Theatre of Columbus' 2017 season, is an exploration of the social dynamics we all live in. The season spans tragedy, farce, and romance through some of the best-loved pieces of literature as well as rarely revived gems.

ATC's 2017 performance season will include William Shakespeare's Julius Caesar (May 25 - June 18) and The Tempest (August 10 - September 3), as well as Jon Jory's adaptation of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice (June 22 - July 16), and Aphra Behn's The Emperor of the Moon (July 20 - August 6).

JULIUS CAESAR (Directed by Philip J. Hickman) - William Shakespeare's classic drama about politics and power. Presented in a modern setting, the production gives the audience new insight into the pressurized culture of honor, fame, war, and betrayal.

PRIDE AND PREJUDICE (Adapted by Jon Jory, Directed by Mark Mann) - Jane Austen's enduring novel of romance, class, and society comes to the stage in the popular Jon Jory (Actors' Theatre of Louisville) adaptation. The play is a delightful take on the novel, complete with all of the wit, love, and charm of the original.

THE EMPEROR OF THE MOON (Directed by Michelle Batt) - Aphra Behn's 1660 comedy is a zany blend of commedia dell'arte, music, and science fiction. Servants and lovers run wild in this play which was hugely successful in the English Restoration period. Behn's work has been described as "an affordable mini-spectacle," and she is one of the great women playwrights in all classic theater.

THE TEMPEST (Directed by David Harewood) - The season concludes with William Shakespeare's magical dramatic comedy about an outcast noble who has made himself ruler of a small island. He uses his powers to enforce his will on his enemies and allies alike. This production will take a fresh look at this romantic, comedic, dramatic play about the purpose of power.

"Julius Caesar is as relevant now as it was in Shakespeare's day," shared ATC Artistic Director Philip J. Hickman. "This powerful drama drives deeply into the intersection of power, governance, honor, and loyalty.

"Pride and Prejudice, a new adaptation of Jane Austen's novel, tells one of the most beloved romantic stories in English literature. Austen's brilliance is displayed in this story of class and culture, and how love bridges the social structures that might divide us.

"The Emperor of the Moon, Aphra Behn's 1687 farce, is a wonderful Restoration comedy. In addition to celebrating one of the most successful women playwrights of the classic era, it is a delightful mix of music, wit, and physical comedy.

"And finally, The Tempest is a complex dramatic comedy, a magical story of power, control, family, and reconciliation."

Outdoor summer shows are free and open to the public, though donations are encouraged and vital to the continued success of Actors' Theatre. Memberships with Actors' Theatre are also available by visiting www.theactorstheatre.org/membership.

Support for Actors' Theatre is made possible by the Greater Columbus Arts Council, the Ohio Arts Council, The Columbus Foundation, and WCBE 90.5 FM.

Actors' Theatre of Columbus (ATC) celebrates the possibilities of classic theater and literature, leading our diverse community in artistic excellence, education, and vision. Founded in 1982, Actors' Theatre is a nonprofit performing arts theater troupe presenting plays by William Shakespeare and other time-honored authors with relevance to a contemporary audience. Actors' Theatre performs outdoors from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend at Schiller Park in German Village. Actors' Theatre has a broad influence in the artistic community of the city, as well as educational outreach in schools and summer acting camps in Schiller Park. The Globe School, ATC's education wing, hosts classes for kids, teens, and adults, as well as professional internships for young theater professionals. For more information, visit www.theactorstheatre.org.

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