Patrick Page Set for Shakespeare Theatre Company's CORIOLANUS

Artistic Director Michael Kahn and the Shakespeare Theatre Company announce casting for the title characters of The Hero/Traitor Repertory, the first in the Clarice Smith Repertory Series. STC Affiliated Artist Patrick Page will star in Coriolanus, running from March 28-June 2, 2013 and Steve Pickering will star in Wallenstein, running from March 29-May 31, 2013. Both Coriolanus and Wallenstein will be produced in repertory at the Company's Sidney Harman Hall (610 F Street NW).

"I am pleased to welcome both Patrick Page and Steve Pickering back to the Shakespeare Theatre Company," said Kahn. "Patrick has had terrific turns as Macbeth and Iago for STC and has just finished a great run as the Green Goblin in Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark on Broadway. And Steve was wonderful as Kent in our production of King Lear with Stacy Keach. I look forward to working with both actors again on the Hero/Traitor Repertory."

Directed by former STC Associate Artistic Director and current Studio Theatre Artistic Director David Muse, Coriolanus returns to the STC stage for the first time since the 1999-2000 Season. A mighty hero, Caius Martius, earns the new name of "Coriolanus" for his triumphs. However his inflexible self-belief and contempt for popular rule cause him to be condemned as a traitor and sent into exile. Desiring revenge against the Romans who banished him, he befriends his blood enemy, Aufidius, to launch an assault on his beloved city. Rome, in its terror, pleads with Coriolanus to end his crusade for vengeance. Coriolanus blurs the lines between hero and traitor in this politically driven tragedy.

STC is also proud to announce a newly commissioned adaptation and translation of Friedrich Schiller's Wallenstein by former poet-laureate Robert Pinsky, directed by Michael Kahn. Wallenstein, one of Germany's greatest dramatic works, follows the famous general Albrecht von Wallenstein at the height of his influence and power during the Thirty Years' War. Leading Europe's most commanding army, Wallenstein is caught between his ambition and the Emperor's growing distrust. He must decide either to stay loyal to his king and lose his power or to betray his country for greater gain. Kahn directs his second Schiller play, following the success of Don Carlos which The Baltimore Sun called "a splendid production." Wallenstein was commissioned through the generous support of The Beech Street Foundation.

To reserve tickets or for more information, patrons may call the box office at 202.547.1122 or visit ShakespeareTheatre.org.

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