Walden Theatre Announces Young American Shakespeare Festival 2010

The first and largest Shakespeare Festival in the U.S. put on by and for young people returns with three more classics by the inimitable Bard. This year's line-up includes history play Henry V, comedy Love's Labour's Lost, and tragedy Timon of Athens.

"The themes that Shakespeare explores," said Walden's Artistic Director Charlie Sexton, "cover the spectrum of human experience. Working with Shakespeare gives students the the ability to see the world from a broad perspective and deepens their understanding of a range of ideas and topics."

All the Young American Shakespeare Festival's professional-quality plays are performed by students enrolled in Walden Theatre's nationally-recognized Conservatory Program. The festival represents the culmination of a year of scene-work, rehearsals, and main-stage performances of classic and contemporary works.

Henry V, directed by Alec Volz: A charismatic leader in the flush of youth commits his troops to war. The risks are huge, the cause debatable, and bloodshed certain. "Once more unto the breach, dear friends..."

Love's Labour's Lost, directed by Charlie Sexton: What is a worthy price for love? This story is filled with romantic mix-ups and comic intrigue, leading to one of Shakespeare's most unexpected and bittersweet endings.

Timon of Athens, directed by J. Barrett Cooper: A figure of extremes, Timon's benevolence turns to misanthropy, and in telling his story, Shakespeare illustrates Aristotle's precept that the man who lives alone - who cannot adjust to society - is either a beast or god.

Information and Tickets
All plays are at the Victor Jory Theatre at Actors Theatre of Louisville. Tickets for evening performances cost $15 adults and $10 students, and tickets for matinee shows cost $10 adults and $8 students. For information, email Walden Theatre or call 502.589.0084. For tickets, call Actors Theatre at 502.584.1205.

About Walden Theatre

Walden Theatre was created in 1976 to give young people the opportunity to grow and develop through the comprehensive study of theatre. Today Walden provides theatre education to 11,000 students annually through its nationally-renowned Conservatory and Outreach Programs, and creates more than 98 public performance opportunities for students - ranging from Shakespeare, Shaw, and Aesop to contemporary world-premiere productions and student-written plays. Its continuing success is built on respect for young people's enormous ability to learn and achieve, and grounded in its respect for theatre as a mirror on the world.