ATHENS, WV (LOOTPRESS) The Appalachian Shakespeare Project will celebrate its 15-year anniversary with a production of As You Like It this summer.
The romantic comedy, one of Shakespeare’s most popular, explores the tale of two lovers who flee to the Forest of Arden to seek happiness.
The Concord University campus will host the presentation at the front of the Alexander Fine Arts Building. The production will be staged on July 26 and July 27 beginning at 6:00pm.
“This play is one of the funniest of all of Shakespeare’s comedies. It reads a little like a pastoral comedy – a play about shepherds and shepherdesses out in the fields – but then Shakespeare adds these sophisticated city characters fleeing from the court, and the comedy builds from there,” says Concord University professor and Executive Director, Dr. Gabriel Rieger.
“I am fortunate to be working with a great new director, Karen Harvey who has performed with us for several years now. We are working with an outstanding group of actors, as well as our very talented returning costumer Chris Bone.”
Rosalind and Orlando will be portrayed by Leanna Castro and Zachariah James, whose chemistry and work were praised by Dr. Rieger.
“I’m grateful to have this opportunity to work on such a wonderful and fun production,” Castro declared. “I’ve met so many talented and passionate people. This summer has been such an amazing experience.”
James spoke fondly of his time with the Appalachian Shakespeare Project, stating, “This has been my fourth year with ASP and I wish I had joined sooner. Being a part of this team has led me to develop some great friendships and taught me a whole new way of acting performance that I’ve learned to incorporate in my classes.”
Additional information on the Appalachian Shakespear Project can be obtained through Executive Director and Concord professor Dr. Rieger, who can be reached at grieger@concord.edu.
