Propeller: Shakespeare’s Richard III and The Comedy of Errors March 30, 2011

Edward Hall, director

Richard III
Wednesday, March 30 @ 7:30 pm
Friday, April 1 @ 7:30 pm
Saturday, April 2@ 2 pm
Sunday, April 3 @ 7:30 pm

The Comedy of Errors
Thursday, March 31 @ 7:30 pm
Saturday, April 2 @ 7:30 pm
Sunday, April 3 @ 2 pm

“Edward Hall's superb, all-male company Propeller proves again the value of a true ensemble and a director who treats Shakespeare's plays as if they'd just been written.” (The Guardian, on A Midsummer Night’s Dream, 2009) Propeller, the internationally celebrated, innovative Shakespeare company led by Edward Hall, presents new productions of two of Shakespeare’s greatest contrasting masterpieces. Renowned for combining a rigorous approach to the text with an exciting, physical aesthetic to engage its audience’s imagination and bring fresh understanding to classic plays, Propeller is Shakespeare rediscovered.

Richard III brings the War of the Roses cycle of history plays to a close in bloody fashion. Arguably Shakespeare’s most villainous King, Richard murders his way to the throne, unable to resist his cruel wit and dark humor. This hugely entertaining and diabolical adventure tells the story of one man’s journey to heaven, then back to hell.

In complete contrast, A Comedy of Errors is Shakespeare’s most farcical comedy, and also his smartest. Two sets of estranged twins, separated at birth, find themselves in the same city 25 years later with hilarious consequences. A series of mistaken identities, assumed personas, and wild mishaps bring a family crisis into heartwarming focus.

The two plays will be presented in repertory with the same cast.

“Propeller’s collective ingenuity makes and evening that delights the heart as much as it stimulates the mind.” (The Daily Telegraph) “The daring, the dazzle, and the pure craft of this company…absolutely exhilarating.” (The New York Times)

Official Website: http://www.ums.org/s_current_season/artist.asp?pageid=624