CONTACT: H.G. Young III, music professor, 304-424-8248.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

West Virginia University at Parkersburg’s Distinguished Performance Series will host a production of Shakespeare’s "Richard III" at 7 p.m., Sunday, Feb. 15.

Performing the Shakespearean tragedy will be The Acting Company, a 2003 Tony honoree for excellence in theater. "Richard III" will be presented in WVU Parkersburg’s multi-purpose room.

In Shakespeare’s tragedy of plotting and betrayal, the villainous Duke of Gloucester stops at nothing to win the crown of England. Richard’s lust for power leads to unspeakable acts in a brilliant rendering of political intrigue, family relationships and ambition. Shakespeare’s masterpiece completes the historical and spellbinding tale of England’s bloody Wars of the Roses, the triumphs—and failures—of kings.

The Acting Company’s production will be directed by Eve Shapiro, master director at Julliard School, where she has been a faculty member since 1976. Ms. Shapiro also served as a director and teacher at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, London and associate director of York Theatre Royal. The Acting Company was founded in 1972 by John Houseman and Margot Harley, current producing artistic director. The company has performed over 100 plays for more than two million people in the United States, London, Australia, Russia and Eastern Europe.

The production is part of the National Endowment for the Arts’ Shakespeare in American Communities, the largest tour of Shakespeare in American history. Shakespeare in American Communities is bringing professional theater productions of Shakespeare and related educational activities to 100 small and mid-sized communities in all 50 states. It is a national theater touring initiative sponsored by the National Endowment for the Arts and The Sallie Mae Fund in cooperation with Arts Midwest.

Tickets for the production are available in the college business office or at the door one hour before each performance. Tickets are $10, adults and $5, students. WVU at Parkersburg students may purchase special advance tickets for themselves and one guest for $2 each. WVU at Parkersburg faculty/staff may purchase $5 advance tickets. All tickets at the door will be regular price. There are no reserved seats.

Additional information is available by contacting the college’s business office at 424-8223.

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For additional information, contact:
Connie Dziagwa
WVU Parkersburg
Executive Director
Communications/Public Relations
(304-424-8203)

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