Resonance Ensemble 2008-09 season begins with two plays inspired by Shakespeare's Julius Caesar: the World Premiere of Christopher Boal's 23 KNIVES and Bernard Shaw's CAESAR AND CLEOPATRA
Beginning January 11, opening January 18, 2009 at Theatre Row's CLURMAN THEATRE
Followed by Austin Pendleton's BOOTH beginning May 16, opening May 21, 2009 at Theatre Row's LION THEATRE
Now in its seventh season, Resonance Ensemble (Eric Parness, Artistic Director, Rachel Reiner, Managing Director) is proud to announce their 2008-09 season. This year's rep productions take their inspiration from an appropriate source during this politically charged season. Julius Caesar is at the heart of Resonance Ensemble's kick-off which includes the World Premiere of 23 Knives, a commissioned piece by Christopher Boal (Crazy for the Dog), directed by Eric Parness, as well as Bernard Shaw's rarely produced Caesar and Cleopatra, directed by Kent Paul. These productions will be followed by a newly revised version of Austin Pendleton's play Booth. Resonance Ensemble is a Theatre-in-Residence at Theatre Row (410 West 42 Street). Casts to be announced shortly.
23 KNIVES by Christopher Boal, directed by Eric Parness
In rep: January 11-February 7, 2009
In 44 B.C., the fate of the Roman Republic hangs in the balance. The most powerful man in the world, Julius Caesar, lies dead in the Theatre of Pompey, as politicians and military men ambitiously move to fill the void of power. Marcus Antonius summons the physician Antistius to uncover the truth about the assassination through a Greek technique called "autopsy". But as Antistius discovers more about the crime, the real truth becomes harder to find. Inspired by history's only mention of Antistius in Seutonius's The Twelve Caesars, 23 Knives utilizes contemporary language to weave a darkly comic mystery about politics, patriotism, and the nature of truth.
CAESAR AND CLEOPATRA by Bernard Shaw, directed by Kent Paul
In rep: January 11-February 7, 2009
Four years before Julius Caesar sailed to Rome to meet his untimely end, the great leader sought to conquer the outer reaches of the land, always questing for a kindred spirit to rival his own. What he finds, sitting on top of an ancient Egyptian Sphinx, is a young Queen Cleopatra, who beguiles him not only with her beauty, but because she may be the very match he's been seeking. Shaw's witty, satirical masterpiece personalizes the political relationship between an occupying force and a foreign power, and demonstrates that modern civilization has done little to advance the basic nature of the human soul.
BOOTH by Austin Pendleton, directed by Eric Parness
May 16 - June 6, 2009
Generations collide as two of the greatest Shakespearean actors of all time take on their most challenging roles as father and son. Junius Booth, a gifted but tortured actor of the 19th century acclaimed throughout America for his vigorous performances of Shakespeare, discovers that his young son Edwin shares his passion for acting. Worried that Edwin will also inherit the emotional struggles that plague him, Junius takes Edwin under his wing to guide his career. This newly revised version of Austin Pendleton's family drama tracks the relationship between the father and son as they grapple with each other's passions and fears.
RESONANCE ENSEMBLE 2008-09 SEASON
23 KNIVES by Christopher Boal, directed by Eric Parness
CAESAR AND CLEOPATRA by Bernard Shaw, directed by Kent Paul
In rep: January 11 - February 7, 2009
Clurman Theatre, Theatre Row is located at 410 West 42 Street.
BOOTH by Austin Pendleton, directed by Eric Parness
May 16 - June 6, 2009
Lion Theatre, Theatre Row is located at 410 West 42 Street.
Tickets are $18 and can be purchased at Ticket Central by phone 212/279 4200 or visit www.ticketcentral.com
Bios
Resonance Ensemble (Producer) is dedicated to developing new theatrical work inspired by the timelessness and universalism of the classics, and to producing resonating groups of theatrical presentations that echo across countless cultures and eras to confront themes and ideas significant to audiences of today. Resonance Ensemble has produced 13 full length productions including world premieres of plays by Charles L. Mee, Arthur Giron, Victor L. Cahn and Larry Loebell, and classics by Anton Chekhov, Sophocles, Oscar Wilde and Molière.
