Veterans to Perform at Kentucky Shakespeare Festival

Kentucky Shakespeare is proud to announce a public sharing of the work of its newest program, Shakespeare With Veterans, this Sunday in Central Park. Over the course of several months, Kentucky Shakespeare has collaborated with two vital organizations on this Shakespeare program for veterans, working with Athena's Sisters, an organization for military women, and the Louisville Vet Center.

Under the direction of Amy Attaway, Kentucky Shakespeare's new Associate Artistic Director, and with assistance from Director of Education Kyle Ware, the veterans have explored ensemble techniques and emotional expression through Shakespeare's text, connecting with the universal themes of Shakespeare. The process will culminate in a pre-show performance this Sunday, July 17 at 7:45PM on the Kentucky Shakespeare Festival stage in Central Park. The pre-show will be followed by THE WINTER'S TALE, also directed by Attaway.

The inaugural ensemble of the Shakespeare with Veterans program is comprised of 8 men and 5 women, representing 3 branches of the military, and service in wars from Vietnam to Iraq.

Thanks to funding from dozens of individuals from across the country, including General David Petraeus, and Molly Malone's of Louisville, this program will to continue into the fall with plans to be part of the Mayor's Week of Valor in November. Shakespeare with Veterans hopes to welcome new members in the fall and beyond.

Kentucky Shakespeare presents the oldest free Shakespeare festival in the United States and is the largest, in-school arts education provider in the Commonwealth. Mission: Grounded in the works of Shakespeare, we enrich our community by presenting accessible, professional theatre experiences that educate, inspire, and entertain people of all ages.