Escape from the January Chill with NYSX's ShakesBEER Pub Crawls

Launching at Bavaria Bierhaus, 19 S. William Street (between Mill Lane and Coenties Alley), the "ShakesBEER" crawl will hit four bars in the course of an afternoon (the others are Route 66 and Beckett's and one TBA). At each of these establishments a different classic scene is performed by the NYSX ensemble. Featured in the cast will be Amanda Barron, RJ Foster, Devin Haqq, Kim Krane, Sam Liechter, Cory O'Brien-Pniewski, Christopher Randolph, Deanna Supplee, and Carey Van Driest.

The January "ShakesBEERS" bring to new life classic scenes from "Henry VI, Part 2," "A Comedy of Errors," "Twelfth Night," and "Cymbeline." The directors are Cristina Lundy, Christopher Randolph, Kim Krane, and NYSX Artistic Director Ross Williams.

Popularizing Shakespeare for diverse, contemporary audiences in new and timely ways, NYSX is responsible for last season's attention-getting "Hamlet10" in which an ensemble of 10 actors representing a spectrum of ages, ethnicities and gender orientations all played the role of the Danish prince. It also premiered a highly praised adaptation of Shakespeare's epic poem, "The Rape of Lucrece," which reverberated with audiences for its no-holds-barred portrayal of sexual violence against women.

NY Shakespeare Exchange has generated attention for innovative programs like The Sonnet Project, in which short films based on all 154 Shakespeare sonnets are being shot in every nook and cranny of New York City by diverse filmmakers. (The collection now numbers 110.) www.sonnetprojectnyc.com NYSX is also developing a community engagement teaching model in which its ShakesBEER Pub Crawls are staged with a mix of ensemble members and local talent in schools and universities around the country.