Lantern Theater Company Announce 'Scholars' Season for THE TAMING OF THE SHREW

Lantern Theater Company's Scholars: In Conversation presents Desire, Dance and Dynamic Women in The Taming of the Shrew on three consecutive Monday evenings - April 6, 13 and 20 - at 7 PM. This special series is presented in connection with the Lantern's production of The Taming of Shrew, running March 19-May 3. This three-part panel discussion series uses Shakespeare's comedy to catalyze larger discussions not only about Shakespeare's world, but also about the pressing social, cultural, and scientific issues of today. Scholars and Lantern artists will examine the science of sexual attraction, explore the power of dance to break down barriers and transform cultures, and tackle Kate's 'taming' head on. Each panel discussion will be followed by a moderated Q&A with the audience. Tickets to the three-part series are $8 each or $20 full series for Subscribers/Seniors/Students and $10 each or $25 full series for all others, , and are available by calling 215-829-0395 or visiting lanterntheater.org.

The series kicks off with The Science of Sexual Attraction on Monday, April 6, a charged conversation about the chemistry of sexuality. a distinguished professor, marriage and family therapist, author, researcher and relationship educator, presents a mock counseling session between Kate and Petruchio. Addressing the health of their romance based on a staged a mini-session with actors Joanna Liao and J Hernandez, she will then use the play to discuss the scientific and psychological basis for attraction, love, and commitment.

The Transformative Power of Dance on Monday, April 13 features Carolyn Merritt, PhD, author of the recent, celebrated book Tango Nuevo, joining The Taming of the Shrew director Charles McMahon and actor-choreographer K.O. DelMarcelle. Using the tango elements in Shrew as a catalyst for discussion, Dr. Merritt will also read selections from her book that explore both the history and modern politics of the tango art form.

Patricia Denison, PhD, Interim Associate Provost and Director of Undergraduate Studies, Drama & Theatre Art at Barnard College, concludes the series with 'Taming' Today: The Character of Katherine in the 21st Century on Monday, April 20. Denison will be joined by Lantern Associate Artistic Director Kathryn MacMillan, and Joanna Liao (Katherine, The Taming of the Shrew) for a frank, lively conversation about Katherine, Shakespeare's women, and the larger issues of women and the canon within a modern-day context.

The Taming of the Shrew, running March 19-May 3 and directed by Charles McMahon features David Bardeen, K.O. DelMarcelle, Nathan Foley, J Hernandez, Dave Johnson, Joanna Liao, Ahren Potratz, Matt Tallman, and Bradley K. Wrenn.

Founded in 1994, Lantern Theater Company is committed to an authentic and intimate exploration of the human spirit in its choice of classics, modern, and original works. The Lantern seeks to be a vibrant, contributing member of its community, exposing audiences to great theater, inviting participation in dialogue and discussion, educating audience members about artistic and social issues, and employing theatrical language and techniques to enrich learning in the classroom. The Lantern has received 82 Barrymore Award nominations, winning 15 times including the 2009 Barrymore Award for Excellence in Theatre Education and Community Service for its innovative education program, Illumination. Lantern Theater Company has been in residence at St. Stephen's Theater at 10th & Ludlow Streets in Center City Philadelphia since 1996, managing the performance space and developing it into an affordable multi-purpose performing arts venue. For more information, please visit www.lanterntheater.org.