IRT to Present Strange Harbor's Epic History Cycle 'THIS ENGLAND'

After a run in July's "Shakespeare in the Theater" festival at The Brick, IRT presents Strange Harbor's epic history cycle This England: The Complete Kings 1377-1485 (Abridged) for four more performances August 25th to 28th.

With eight actors playing over 40 characters, This England spans a bloody century of war, murder, betrayal, and seduction as four generations of nobles struggle for control of the English throne. Co-directors Zachary Tomlinson and Rosa Schneider crafted the script by pulling text from Shakespeare's Richard II, Henry IV Parts 1 and 2, Henry V, Henry VI Parts 1, 2, and 3, and Richard III.

"Our adaptation reveals how power changes each king and how power gets passed down and lost," says Schneider. "We think that it's incredibly timely, and not just because of the recent events in Britain! We like to call this the original Brexit."

"This is how England first identified itself as a nation separate from Europe," adds Tomlinson. "So this is a story about the creation of a national identity, and that nationalism is, I think, something important to explore and investigate in this political climate, as well as how power changes people."

IRT Theater is a grassroots laboratory for independent theater and performance in New York City, providing space and support to a new generation of artists. Tucked away in the old Archive Building in Greenwich Village, IRT's mission is to build a community of emerging and established artists by creating a home for the development and presentation of new work. Some of the artists we have supported include Young Jean Lee, Reggie Watts, & Mike Daisey. For info visit www.irttheater.org.

The cast of This England features Strange Harbor Associate Artists Mackenzie Knapp, Megan Lee, Graham Miles, Jack Plowe, Heather Lee Rogers, Kendra Slack, Shannon Stowe, and Jak Watson. Performances are Thursday 8/25, Friday 8/26, and Saturday 8/27 at 7pm and Sunday 8/28 at 2pm. Run time is 2 hours and 30 minutes with intermission. Tickets are $18. Find tickets and more information about the company at www.strangeharbor.org.

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