Stratford Festival's TAKING SHAKESPEARE Adds Two Performances, 9/14 & 18

To meet the demand for tickets, the Stratford Festival is adding two performances of Taking Shakespeare, the John Murrell play featuring Martha Henry and Luke Humphrey, directed by Diana Leblanc.

The new performances have been scheduled for Saturday, September 14, at 8 p.m., and Wednesday, September 18, at 8 p.m. Taking Shakespeare begins previews on July 13 and runs until September 22, with the official opening set for July 30.

"John Murrell wrote the role of the Prof in Taking Shakespeare especially for Martha Henry, one of Canada's most respected actors," says Executive Director Anita Gaffney. "This is the first opportunity theatre-goers will have to see her in the role, so it's no wonder tickets are being snapped up."

Taking Shakespeare explores the relationship between an aging and disenchanted professor whose career is on the wane and a struggling student, who is also the son of the university president. A chasm of difference lies between them, yet as they delve into the text of Othellotogether, they draw new strength from Shakespeare's extraordinary insights.

Artistic Director Antoni Cimolino programmed Taking Shakespeare as a complement to the 2013 production of Othello. In a season exploring a number of inter-connected themes, this is one example of how the playbill becomes more than the sum of its parts.

"By coupling these two plays, we offer our audiences an opportunity to make connections between one of the great classics and our life today, something that will allow the productions to resonate more deeply and personally with each patron," says Mr. Cimolino.

Tickets for the additional performances of Taking Shakespeare, and all of the 2013 productions, are available by calling 1.800.567.1600 or visiting www.stratfordfestival.ca.

The Stratford Festival's 2013 season features Romeo and Juliet, Fiddler on the Roof, The Three Musketeers, The Merchant of Venice, Tommy,Blithe Spirit, Othello, Measure for Measure, Mary Stuart, Waiting for Godot, Taking Shakespeare and The Thrill, along with more than 150 Forum events.

Pictured: Martha Henry and Luke Humphrey. Photo Credit: Don Dixon

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