S&Co. offers interactive look at history of legendary scribe

LENOX – Those wishing to delve further into the world of William Shakespeare than attending a performance of The Tempest, reading Othello or watching the latest adaptation of Romeo and Juliet now have the opportunity to do so through a limited run at Shakespeare and Company.

Shakespeare and the Language that Shaped a World (or SLaW, for short) features scenes from some of Shakespeare’s most memorable works strung together over a 45-minute look into the history of the legendary scribe and his lasting cultural impact.

“Shakespearean text was written to be performed, and it’s thrilling to see the audience experience the writing come off the page,” said Associate Director of Education Jenna Ware.

The show fits in quite well with the foundation of S&Co.

“Shakespeare and Company was founded on three limbs – education, training and performance,” said Kelly Galvin, one of the SLaW performers.

Six members of S&Co.’s education department perform the show, which is followed by a 45-minute workshop where members of the audience engage with the performers in putting on a few scenes from one of Shakespeare’s plays.

“Shakespeare and the Language that Shaped a World has the ability to not only engage audiences on an entertainment level, but also inspire their participation,” Ms. Ware said.

Through the SLaW program, students of all ages get a well-rounded look at the world of Shakespeare.

“SLaW is an exciting opportunity for us to rediscover the universality of Shakespeare and, most importantly, for many of our youngest patrons to discover it for the first time,” Ms. Ware said.

The age range of people interested in learning more about Shakespeare was most evident at the opening performance of this year’s program on March 30.

“The diversity of age is what’s exceptional about today,” said Ms. Galvin.

Ms. Galvin costars in SLaW alongside S&Co. artists Kiki Bertocci, Emily Ehlinger, Marcus Kearns, Enrico Spada and Ryan Winkles.

In addition to the performances at S&Co.’s Elayne P. Bernstein Theatre, the education department brings SLaW to schools. Educators interested in learning more about the program can contact School Programs Manager Alexandra Lincoln at alincoln@shakespeare.org.

The next SLaW performance is scheduled for 7 p.m. on Saturday (April 6), with the April 14, 19-21 and 28 performances all at 1 p.m. There will also be a 7 p.m. performance on April 23. Tickets are available the day of the show or can be reserved ahead of time by calling (413) 637-3353 or emailing boxoffice@shakespeare.org.

Tickets cost $5 for students and $10 for adults, with a maximum admission fee of $30 per family (up to six people per family discount).

Will 449 Birthday Bash

Surrounding the April 23 performance of SLaW, S&Co. will be celebrating Shakespeare’s birthday with its fifth annual “Will 449 Birthday Bash.”

At 5:30 p.m., there will be a pasta dinner buffet, then the SLaW performance and a post-show toast and cake reception as part of the celebration.

Tickets for the dinner and show cost $15 for kids and $25 for adults and can be purchased online at shakespeare.org.

Posted by Catherine M. Krummey on April 4, 2013. Filed under Arts and Entertainment,Education News,News. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry