Do you find Shakespeare’s language difficult to
understand at times? Do you find his
story lines a bit difficult to follow in some plays? Do you sometimes wonder what message he is
trying to convey in the play? These are
often comments heard during the summer Shakespeare productions on the Guilford
Green. Shoreline Arts Alliance has been
awarded a grant of $999 from CT Humanities to add pre and post show talk backs
during this summer’s production to address some of these questions. The Shakespeare Talk Backs will take place
on two of the five nights of the main stage performances of Much Ado About Nothing. The show will run from August 7 – 11 with the
Talk Backs occurring on opening night, August 7 and on Friday night, August 9
(or Saturday, August 10 in the event of rain).
Admission
to the Main Stage production as well as to the talk backs is free and open to
all who wish to have a better understanding of the play and its history.
Connecticut Humanities (CTH) is a non-profit affiliate of the National
Endowment for the Humanities that funds, creates and collaborates on hundreds
of cultural programs across Connecticut each year. Connecticut Humanities
brings together people of all ages and backgrounds to express, share and
explore ideas in thoughtful and productive ways. From local discussion groups
to major exhibitions on important historical events, CTH programs engage,
enlighten and educate. Learn more by visiting www.cthumanities.org.
Much
Ado About Nothing demonstrates the humanity in all of
us and the range of human emotions that we face daily. The themes of honor, righteousness,
faithfulness are countered by deceit, jealousy, social status and
dishonesty. The play also delves into
the position and role of women, which provides a strong platform to encourage
discussion. Obvious throughout the
performance is the ‘battle of the sexes’ as depicted in the characters of
Beatrice and Benedick, and will provide additional talking points. Though,
classified as a comedy, this play has a darker side and the consequences of
this will be explored in the pre and post discussion Talk Backs. The presenters will also address artistic
decisions made for this production, i.e. adapting the script to fit into the
allotted time frame, casting, costumes, set design, and challenges faced in
creating a production for multiple outdoor venues.
The Shakespeare
Pre & Post Show Talk Backs will provide a deeper understanding and
appreciation of the language, themes, plots and characterization in
Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing
to enhance the comprehension and enjoyment of the main stage production. The format will be informal ‘round table’
discussion between artistic staff and audience pre and post show with Q & A
encouraged especially at post show forum.
Pre show discussion will take place at 6:30pm and the post show talks
are immediately following the performance.
To participate in the Shakespeare Talk Backs just come to the tent
adjacent to the stage from 6:30 – 7pm and enjoy the show!
Founded in 1980, Shoreline Arts Alliance is the
“go to” source for the best arts, entertainment, and cultural activities for
people of all ages along the central coastal region of Connnecticut. As a Local Arts Agency of the Connecticut Department of Economic and
Community Development, Shoreline Arts Alliance is responsible for serving the
broad cultural sector within the region and making the arts a part of the daily
fabric of community life.
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