Judith Shakespeare Co Returns To NYC With 'Rape of the Lock'

The award-winning Judith Shakespeare Company NYC returns to the New York stage with its first full production in nearly 4 years -- the world-premiere production of Paul Hagen's new play THE RAPE OF THE LOCK -- with previews beginning September 11 prior to its official press opening on September 14 at The Duo Theatre (62 East 4th Street) in Manhattan. Jane Titus is set to direct.
 
Written in unique rhymed couplets, Paul Hagen's THE RAPE OF THE LOCK pays homage to Alexander Pope's famous satire even as it puts a 21st-century spin on the story, arousing questions on the nature of men and women, art and violence.
 
In this adaptation of his classic 18th century mock-epic poem, Alexander Pope is portrayed as the crankiest playwright ever, as five actors alternately suffer under and subvert his tyrannical direction. The "lock" in question is a precious, perfect, curly lock of hair on the lovely and vain Belinda's head, and the "rape" of that lock by the lustful and determined Baron involves not only a pair of scissors, but an inevitable trail of gossip, jealousy, rivalry, seduction, conquest, and revenge.
 
Directed by JSC Artistic Associate Jane Titus, THE RAPE OF THE LOCK marks the first full production of Resurgence, JSC's unique play development program, which seeks to find, develop, and produce new plays written in heightened language and verse, and which feature significant roles for women. In 2005 and 2006, JSC received over 300 submissions, selecting and giving public readings to six of those plays. This is the first of those six plays to be given a full production by the company.
 
Performed in JSC's signature gender-reverse casting, THE RAPE OF THE LOCK features  Leanne Littlestone as Alexander Pope; Ivanna Cullinan as Thalestris; Vanessa Morosco as The Baron; Suzanne Hayes as Sir Plume; Tyrone Davis as Clarissa; and John Forkner as Belinda.
 
The eclectic design of the show is influenced by fashions spanning the 18th through the 20th centuries. Composer Benjamin Ickies' original musical score is an integral part of the production along with costumes and props designed by Rosalynd Darling; set and lighting designed by Michelangelo Alaso; and stylized movement directed by Rob O'Neill.
 
Playwright Paul Hagen's recent plays include FITZ & WALLOUGHS GET IT IN THE END at the Ace of Clubs; PARDON ME, JUSTINS RIGHTEOUSNESS at the Atlantic Theater Company, and THE ONLY THING STRAIGHT IS MY JACKET as part of the 2004 New York International Fringe Festival and The Prospect Theater Company's Dark Nights series. Mr. Hagen is also the Editor-in-Chief of Metrosource, a national magazine for the LGBT community dedicated to art, entertainment and style. He lives and works in New York City and is a graduate of Fordham University at Lincoln Center.
 
Founded in 1995, Judith Shakespeare Company NYC is committed to bringing Shakespeare's language to life with clarity and vitality, while expanding the presence of women in classic literature. During the 2003-04 Season, Judith Shakespeare Company NYC presented its last fully staged production, RICHARD 3, which crowned the company's three-season presentation o f Shakespeare's History Cycle.  Previously the company has presented THE TEMPEST, with Jane Titus in the role of Prospero, followed by THE TEMPEST PROJECT: AN EXPERIMENT IN NON-TRADITIONAL CASTING. In 2000, The company celebrated its fifth season with full productions  of  COMEDY OF ERRORS and JULIUS CAESAR, which was featured on LifeTime Live.
 
The company won an OOBR Award for its production of MACBETH. Other notable work includes a full production of ALL'S WELL THAT ENDS WELL and the world premiere of TABULA RASA by Texas playwright Molly Louise Shepard. Additionally, JSC continues its unique "Shakespeare Unplugged" Concert Reading Series, which has included TROILUS AND CRESSIDA, KING JOHN, PERICLES, HENRY VIII, TITUS ANDRONICUS, RICHARD 2, HENRY 4 PART 1, HENRY 4 PART 2, HENRY 5, HENRY 6 PARTs 1-2-3 (in rotating repertory) and LOVE'S LABOURS LOST.
 
THE RAPE OF THE LOCK is made possible by the generous support of Mr. Charles E. Bockwith and JSC's individual donors.
 
Joanne Zipay is Artistic Director of Judith Shakespeare Company NYC.
 
Performances of Paul Hagen's THE RAPE OF THE LOCK run September 11- 28 at Duo Theatre (62 East 4th Street, between Bowery and 2nd Avenue); Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 8pm; Sundays at 2pm. Tickets are $19 ($10 Student Rush tickets available, with valid ID). For reservations, call 212-592-1885. For more information, visit www.judithshakespeare.com.