Kathleen Chalfant Joins Epic Theatre Ensemble's SHAKESPEARE REMIX MACBETH 12/17-19

New York's OBIE Award-winning Epic Theatre Ensemble (Zak Berkman, Melissa Friedman, Ron Russell, Founding Executive Directors) is pleased to welcome acclaimed actor Kathleen Chalfant to the company of its upcoming Shakespeare Remix Macbeth, a product of the troupe's nationally acclaimed after-school program that was recently honored with the 2009 Coming Up Taller Award (Friedman and youth Remix participant Shana Brown traveled to Washington, D.C., for a White House ceremony hosted by First Lady Michelle Obama to accept the award).

Shakespeare Remix Macbeth, Shakespeare's classic play about ambition, mysticism and war collides with new writing by students from NYC's Chelsea High School December 17-19, 2009 at the Beckett Theatre on Theatre Row (410 West 42nd Street). Melissa Friedman directs. All performances are free, however reservations are required and may be made by calling (212) 613-5434. Performances are Thursday, December 17 at 7:00 p.m., Friday, December 18 at 10:30 a.m. & 1:30 p.m., Saturday, December 19 at 2:00 & 7:00 p.m. Both of Friday's performances are already sold out.

In addition to Ms. Chalfant in the role of ‘Hecate,' high school student Shana Brown will be performing in Shakespeare Remix Macbeth in the role of ‘Lady MacDuff' while also serving double duty as the production's Head Writer. Brown recently performed at the White House ceremony for Mrs. Obama, receiving tremendous praise from The First Lady and the assembled guests. Actors James Wallert, Godfrey L. Simmons Jr. and John Keabler will play the roles of ‘Duncan,' ‘Macduff' and ‘Old Man/Siward,' respectively. All other roles will be played by Chelsea High School students.

Epic Theatre Ensemble's Shakespeare Remix is an after-school youth development program at four NYC Public High Schools in Lower Manhattan, Harlem, the Bronx and Brooklyn, that culminates with students performing alongside professional theater artists in fully produced Shakespeare productions at Off Broadway theatres. Remix students fully debate the critical social and political questions of the play, decode the meaning of Shakespeare's text, speaking the language with truth and courage, and weave their own writing into the fabric of the script. Working with Epic's Artists as mentors and cast mates, the students rehearse and perform their Shakespeare Remix creating a bridge from the classic plays to their time through their own words and actions.

Epic Theatre Ensemble nurtures active citizenship throughout New York City by producing socially-minded plays Off Broadway and connecting these productions to the New York City Public Schools via ground-breaking, fully-integrated artist residencies. These productions and residencies inspire an electric exchange of opinions and ideas that foster greater understanding and empathy between diverse groups and individuals.

For more information please visit the following Web sites:

Epic Theatre Ensemble: www.epictheatreensemble.org
Coming Up Taller: www.cominguptaller.org

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