August Company

The August Company presents Shakespeare’s As You Like It, August 21st at 7 pm and August 22nd at 2 pm, in The Pines Theatre of Look Park in Northampton, MA.   (Rain Dates September 11th at 7 pm and September 12th at 2 pm)

Following the success of their sold-out performance of The Taming of the Shrew in 2009, The August Company returns to the Pines with As You Like It, Shakespeare’s dreamy comedy of fiery, young love and free spirits.  From the stiff-necked repression of Court, to the loose-bellied love of the Forest, As You Like It combines wrestling, sheep herding and cross-dressing in a world in which Love triumphs over Fear.

Director Sheila Siragusa uses Shakespeare’s original text, The First Folio, which last year’s Taming of the Shrew audience thought was a modern adaptation.  “It’s all about giving Shakespeare back to the audience,” says Siragusa, “That’s who Shakespeare was writing for in the Renaissance.  We’ve lost our connection to that aspect of his work in our reverence for his beautiful contribution to literature.  When Shakespeare is on stage, we are most moved by that beauty when we understand what’s happening, and First Folio is the key. ”

The cast includes August Company members Claire Kavanah, Rachel Braidman, Mark Teffer, Kelsey Flynn, Steve Angel, Dennis Quinn, Scott Braidman, Amy Koske and Kerry Strayer.

The Pines will be open for picnics on the lawn at 5 pm on Saturday and noon on Sunday.  Outside beverages are not allowed, but the Pines concession will be open during picnic and show times.

This program is supported in part by a grant from the Northampton Arts Council, Inc.

Tickets:  $10

Parking:  $5 per car

For sales and further information, please visit august-company.com

About The August Company

Dedicated to enriching the lives of community and company members in the Pioneer Valley of Western Massachusetts, The August Company is a collaborative ensemble committed to the creation of theater and film that is human, mirthful and true.

Our inaugural year has included The Taming of the Shrew, The Sound of Music in 5 minutes at the Really Big Show in February, and Gone, a play OnWords, in May.

Contact: Liesel de Boor; 413 230 8688; lieseldb@verizon.net