Naked Shakespeare First Friday Begins

Naked Shakespeare, Acorn Productions' performance series dedicated to presenting the works of the Bard in accessible ways for contemporary audiences, announces the first in a new series of First Friday performances in The Ballroom at Mechanics Hall. "Exquisite Corpses" is a one-hour compilation of scenes involving gruesome deaths ranging from the killing of kings to suicide to mob slayings. Director Michael Levine stages each excerpt in a different location in the historic room, with stylistic influences from modern television shows and movies including "Goodfellas," "Game of Thrones," and "Breaking Bad." The performance takes place in the newly renovated venue on the 3rd floor of the historic building, which has been upgraded with new bathrooms and a large theatrical curtain over the summer. The show features an ensemble of 10 local actors who play multiple roles throughout the evening. The performance is free with a $10 suggested donation. For more information, audience members are encouraged to visit Acorn's website at www.acorn-productions.org.

The murders in "Exquisite Corpses" are carried out by the weird sisters from "Macbeth," re-envisioned in this production as the maiden, mother, and crone archetypes from literature. Each brings a different style to their murders, which include the sword deaths of Richard, Duke of York, Cassius and Brutus, along with the shooting of Henry VI, garroting of Clarence, poisoning of Romeo, razor-blade slashing of Richard II, and mob-styling executions of Caesar and Coriolanus. Additional scenes involving notable deaths from "Macbeth" and "Richard III" are also brought to life. Naked Shakespeare will be presenting thematic evenings of text selections throughout the theater season on First Friday at Mechanics Hall in free presentations designed to increase the public's awareness of Shakespeare's language.