Examining Post-War Society in Mission Theatre Company's TITUS ANDRONICUS and MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING

War is an ever-present part of human society, but how we deal with it varies based on the smallest details. Even the victors do not come out unscathed. Mission Theatre Company sheds light on post-war life in divergent ways in its May repertory productions of Titus Andronicus and Much Ado About Nothing at the Minneapolis Theatre Garage.

As with many of Shakespeare's plays, each begins at the end of a long war. In Titus, we see the giant, regimented and wealthy city of Rome on the verge of chaos. The enemy is now at the right hand of the emperor and there is still unrest among the people. Each character has spent most of their lives at war and we see conflict continue within the walls of the once great city. Neither side can fully surrender, so a tragic revenge cycle ensues between Titus and the Queen of the Goths ending in demise for all.

In Much Ado we present a home front that has been run smoothly by women and elders, who have been self-sufficient while the men away. The men return and all are affected by the war they endured. However, unlike the characters in Titus they learn to navigate a new reality in order to survive. Join us as we magnify the effects of war and how, with only a few choices, outcomes can be vastly different.

Mission Theatre Company presents these two remarkable productions with great theatricality through the use of accessible text, vibrant movement, humor, dance and original music. Audiences and critics have spoken that MTC is a company to watch!

Where: Minneapolis Theatre Garage, Minneapolis MN
When: May 1 - 23, 2015
Cost: $10-30
Who: Directed by Penelope-Parsons Lord
Featuring: Amy Vickroy, Andy Schnabel, Anneliese Stuht, Antonia Perez, Austin England, Craig Fernholz, Derek Dirlam, Heather Burmeister, Lucas Gerstner, Marisa Tejeda, Matt Ouren, Michael Terrell Brown, Michael Kelley, Patrick Webster, Penelope Parsons-Lord, Rachel Linder, Ricardo Beaird, Will Hoeschler
Details at www.missiontheatrecompany.com

About Mission Theatre Company: Mission Theatre Company (MTC) produces thought-provoking and entertaining work throughout the Twin Cities and beyond. MTC presents a mix of classical work with a twist and collaborates with local playwrights to create new, relevant theatre. MTC encourages audiences to think in different ways and remain open to new ideas.