Cohen's lectures and some teasers for the shows

This past week Dr. Ralph Alan Cohen, the co-founder and director of mission at the American Shakespeare Center, gave both lectures to the campers. He spoke about the founding of the American Shakespeare Center, and its mission to the world, but also spoke about the plays the campers are producing. In an exercise, he asked each cast to come up with three shots which included every cast member, and which together told the story of the play. He also asked them to come up with three tag words to sell their particular play, if they were working in marketing. What is this play about? What’s exciting? Why should you come? He is one shot from each cast.

The Winter’s Tale - Scandal. Love. Forgiveness.



In this action packed shot, you can see nearly every plot point of the first half of The Winter’s Tale. Polixenes and Camillo flee to Bohemia, Paulina and Emilia mourn the dead Mamillius and Hermione, Antigonus runs with baby Perdita, 1st Lord, Cleomines and Dion express their grief and outrage at the torn Leontes who both commands the flight and morns his wife’s death, while a lord reads the oracle.

In The Two Noble Kinsmen, a more specific moment in the plot is staged, that of the battle between Palamon and Arcite over Emilia who cannot choose between them. Hippolyta looks on warily, Theseus is tense, The Jailer’s Daughter will not let Palamon go, and the onlookers cheer on the fight. All part of the aura of

The Two Noble Kinsmen - Friendship. Betrayal. Happiness.



Our last play here is perhaps harder to market because of its heavy and pessimistic themes, but riveting when performed by these enthusiastic souls.

Timon of Athens - Wealth. Debt. Consequences.

Here is a play in which the identification of most characters comes from their occupation rather than their names, and Timon, in the middle of them all, finds his excessive generosity has come back to bite him. He has no friends only creditors, demanding he pay his debts.



Hope these images whet your appetite for the upcoming shows.