Taking Shakespeare extended for second time at Stratford Festival

 To meet popular demand, the Stratford Festival is pleased to announce a second extension of its production of John Murrell’s Taking Shakespeare, featuring Martha Henry and Luke Humphrey, and directed by Diana Leblanc.

Two matinée performances of Taking Shakespeare have been added to the 2013 schedule on Tuesday, September 24, and Friday, September 27.

“Audiences have been so eager to see Taking Shakespeare that early demand for tickets caused us to add two performances to our schedule before the show even began previews,” says Executive Director Anita Gaffney.

“It officially opened at the end of July and quickly became an even hotter ticket, with many performances selling out. I am delighted to offer our patrons additional opportunities to catch this outstanding production.”

A witty and compassionate celebration of the power of words, the play centres on an aging and disenchanted professor who begrudgingly agrees to tutor the university president’s son, Murph, who is floundering in his freshman English course and in his life. The professor is ready to give up before the end of the first session, until Murph asks for help with Othello – a play with special meaning for her. As they explore the text together, both draw new strength from Shakespeare’s extraordinary insights.

“The high demand for Taking Shakespeare is not only a testament to the incredible group of people involved in this production, but also proof positive that Shakespeare remains as appealing, relevant and valuable today as he was hundreds of years ago,” says Artistic Director Antoni Cimolino. “This play offers fascinating insight into Othello’s complex exploration of human nature and it is my hope that audiences will take advantage of this extension as an opportunity to see both plays and draw connections between them.”

Taking Shakespeare runs until September 27. For tickets, contact the box office at 1.800.567.1600 or visit stratfordfestival.ca.

Production support is generously provided by Dr. David Goldbloom and Dr. Nancy Epstein.

Support for the 2013 season of the Studio Theatre is generously provided by the Parnassus Foundation, courtesy of Jane & Raphael Bernstein and Sandra & Jim Pitblado.

The Stratford Festival’s 2013 season runs until October 20, featuring 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 events at The Forum.

-30-