PERICLES Opens Tonight at Actors Shakespeare Project

Concluding its 9th season - "Turning Toward Home" - Actors' Shakespeare Project will present its production of William Shakespeare's Pericles, a drama of the adventures and tribulations of Pericles, whose journey involves surprises, challenges and sweet reunion at the Modern Theatre at Suffolk University tonight, April 20 to May 12.

ASP Artistic Director Allyn Burrows directs the production, which features ASP company members Paula Plum, Bobbie Steinbach, Michael Forden Walker, Johnnie McQuarley, with Jesse Hinson in the title role. They are joined by a fantastic ensemble, including Johnny Lee Davenport, Tamara Hickey, Gabriel Kuttner, Kathryn Lynch, Elizabeth Rimar and Omar Robinson.

In ASP's raucous, music-filled production, Pericles explores just how much can one man can take. Sent away unfairly into exile, Pericles' travels test even the most resilient of men as he is flung from cruelly personal adversity, to love, to the ravages of storms. Fortunately for him, and for us, time and good fortune bring relief to these trials in the form of sweet amazement and reunion. "It's startling how much the themes of this piece resonate with our modern struggles when Shakespeare himself borrowed them from the 14th century poet, John Gower, who in turn took them from a 6th century Latin poet," Says Pericles director Allyn Burrows. "Alienation, exile, tribulation, reunion and redemption are just a few things for a man to endure on the path to higher consciousness."

This spring production brings Actors' Shakespeare Project back to the Modern Theatre at Suffolk University. "It is great to produce another spring show at the Modern Theatre, where we staged Troilus & Cressida in 2012 and Antony & Cleopatra in 2011," Says Burrows. Previews are April 17, 18, 19 at 7:30 p.m. and opens tonight, April 20 at 8 p.m.

ASP continues its tradition of free Open Rehearsals on Saturday, April 6 at 11 a.m. in the Modern Theatre. Watch director Allyn Burrows work through a selected scene with the actors and then join in on a lively conversation about the production. As with all ASP productions, post-show discussions will be held following the conclusion of Sunday matinees on April 21, 28, May 5, 12. Learn more at www.actorsshakespeareproject.org.

Founded in 2004, ASP has produced 36 plays at 18 unconventional, "found" venues throughout Greater Boston, such as the Old South Meeting House, the Villa Victoria Center for the Arts, the Strand Theatre in Dorchester, The Modern Theatre at Suffolk University, the Basement of the Garage in Harvard Square and the Armory in Somerville, among others. ASP's resident company of actors and teaching artists approaches each play as the centerpiece of a larger community project. The projects include not only the award-winning productions that focus on language, relationships and storytelling, but a rich set of events, residencies and outreach programs for both adults and youth that explore the plays in visceral and personal ways, making connections between the plays and our lives here and now. These include open rehearsals, Shakespeare in the Schools programs, teacher training institutes, youth programs (Incarcerated Youth at Play, the Shakespeare on the Out after-school program and a Summer Youth Intensive), and community projects. ASP recently announced its 10th Anniversary Season which includes Romeo & Juliet directed by Bobbie Steinbach & Allyn Burrows, Henry VIII directed by Tina Packer, The Cherry Orchard directed by Melia Bensussen and As You Like It, directed by Robert Walsh at a press conference with Boston Mayor Thomas M. Menino and Somerville Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone. ASP also announced major gifts of $1.3M and several 10th Anniversary initiatives. Subscriptions for the 10th Anniversary Season are now on sale.