Hampshire Shakespeare Company
UMass, Amherst
Center for Renaissance Studies
August 1 - 12, 2012
In preparation and rehearsal for one of Shakespeare's
funniest comedies, "As You Like It, " Hampshire Shakespeare Company
is making great use of the of the natural forest and meadows of its new home at
the Center for Renaissance Studies, in Amherst. Instead of mounting the play on
a traditional stage, both the players and the audience will share the beautiful
grounds, cavorting in the Forest of Arden under the sunset and the starry
night.
According to Steve Henderson, the play's director who
conceived this creative production, "You might find yourself mistaken for
a tree that a love poem has been left upon, or taken to be a sheep in one of
the play's pastoral moments, as the actors move around and through the seated
audience." And speaking of seating, audiences can avail themselves of the
usual chairs, or bring their own blankets and picnic baskets to enjoy as they
watch the play.
Performance dates and times are August 1 - 5 and 8 - 12 at
7pm. In case of rain, the play will be performed indoors, and a rain check for
another performance will be honored. Advance tickets are available at Amherst
Books (Amherst), Broadside Books (Northampton) and Odyssey Bookshop (South
Hadley). General admission is $16, seniors and students $14, children under 12
for $6. For information email slcomedy@comcast.net.
You are sure to like "As You Like It."