Naked Shakespeare Begins its Season with SHAPESHIFTERS

Naked Shakespeare, Acorn Productions' performance series dedicated to presenting the works of the Bard in accessible ways for contemporary audiences, begins a new season of First Friday performances in The Ballroom at Mechanics Hall with "ShapeShifters."

The adapation, created and directed by the company's Artistic Director Michael Levine, features scenes from five plays interweaving stories of lovers, clowns and rulers in disguise. Whether it be to gain information, hide from one's past sins, or remain in a country after exile, characters in Shakespeare's plays often hide their identity for ends both noble and nefarious. This performance includes selections from the following plays: "King Lear," "Love's Labor's Lost," "Measure for Measure," "The Merchant of Venice," and "Twelfth Night." Shows take place in Mechanics Hall on Thursday, October 5th and First Friday, October 6th. Both shows are pay-what-you-can. As part of a new program designed to bring the company's performances into non-traditional establishments. "ShapeShifters" will also be performed at the Portland House of Music on Monday, October 9th with a $10 ticket price.

For more information, audience members are encouraged to visit Acorn's website at www.acorn-productions.org.